Snow and ice forecast for large parts of UK in new year cold snap | UK weather
Much of the UK will be covered in snow and ice as frigid Arctic air blows through in a bitterly cold start to 2026.
Snowfall is expected in all four countries on Friday or Saturday; Snowstorms and “thunderstorms” are expected in the Highlands of Scotland.
The Met Office said up to 40cm (16 inches) of snow could fall in northern Scotland in higher elevations and up to 10cm-20cm in lower elevations.
Revelers saw temperatures across much of England in the new year fall below freezing at midnight on Wednesday, dropping to -6.2C (20.8F) in Bournemouth and -2.5C in Cardiff.
Wintry conditions are expected to continue for several more days as a result of Arctic air moving over the UK from Scandinavia.
Delays and cancellations of rail and air transport are also likely, along with power outages and road disruptions, forecasters said. Some rural communities may be cut off, the Met Office said on Thursday.
Police Scotland’s head of road policing, Ch Supt Scott McCarren, urged motorists to consider whether their journey is essential over the next few days.
He said: “If you must travel please drive appropriately for the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey.
“Please do not cross road closures. The decision to close roads is not taken lightly and is made for public safety.”
The heaviest snowfall is expected in the northern part of Scotland, including much of the Highlands and the area around Aberdeen, by the end of the week.
The Met Office has yellow weather warnings in place for these areas, meaning serious disruption is likely, while yellow warnings for snow and ice cover the Highlands, Northern Ireland, Wales and much of England.
But the worst of the disruption is expected to be over by early next week, when most schools will reopen and people will return to work.
Health leaders have warned that cold weather will put further “extraordinary pressure” on the NHS after an extremely busy winter.
The UK Health Safety Agency has issued yellow cold health warnings for every part of England, valid until 10am next Tuesday.
Health protection advisor at UKHSA, Dr. Paul Coleman said: “It is forecast to be very cold across the UK for the next few days.
“Such low temperatures can have serious effects on the health of some people, especially the elderly and those with serious health conditions. Exposure to cold can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and chest infection.”
“So it’s really important to check in on your friends, family and neighbors who are most vulnerable as cold weather approaches.”
