Where wintry showers and ice will hit UK on New Year’s Day after Met Office weather warning
The Met Office has issued a weather warning for New Year’s Day; It will snow in England with the start of 2026.
The yellow warning for snow and ice will be in force from 6am on Thursday, January 1st until 11.59pm on Friday, January 2nd, covering northern parts of Scotland.
The meteorological agency warned that frequent and heavy snowfall in this region could cause travel disruptions, with up to 30cm of snow falling on the highest routes and hills.
The warning covers the whole of northern Scotland, with the affected areas and local authorities being Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland and Strathclyde.
Regarding the weather in the areas covered by the warning, the Met Office said: “With strong winds arriving from the north, showers will gradually turn to snow by Thursday.
“Initially, accumulations will mostly affect the higher routes, but towards the evening some accumulations will begin to descend to lower levels, with 2 to 5, locally 10 cm of snow accumulated by Friday morning.
“Above 200 meters, 10-20 cm of snow may accumulate in some places, and on the highest routes and hills, 30 cm or more of snow may occur during this period. Considering the strength of the wind, significant drifts of snow are likely.”
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway added: “We certainly look set to be in for a taste of ‘winter’ as we welcome the new year across the UK, initially in the north but more widely in the first week of 2026.”
“Arctic air and strong northern winds will bring cold or very cold conditions to all parts of the UK, with particularly strong winds feeling chilly. Widespread and locally hard frosts are also expected, as well as the first snow of the winter for many.
“A yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for northern Scotland on New Year’s Day and beyond, where frequent and heavy snowfall may cause some disruption to travel.
“As we move into the new year, these colder conditions and winter hazards (snow, ice and strong winds) will develop more widely and more snow and ice warnings are likely to be issued. It looks like this cold spell will last through at least the first week of January, so it’s important for people to stay up to date on the latest forecasts and warnings.”
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a yellow cold health alert for the healthcare sector covering the north east and north west of England until 5 January. All other areas in England will be under yellow alert during this period.
UKHSA Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection, Dr. Agostinho Sousa said: “As cold weather sets in, it is vital to check on your most vulnerable friends, family and neighbours.
“The predicted temperatures could have a serious impact on some people’s health and lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and chest infection, particularly for people over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
UKHSA has warned that demand for healthcare services across regions is likely to increase. He said while there were also younger people potentially affected by the weather, a drop in temperature led to greater risks for vulnerable people, while a drop in places such as hospitals and care homes could push temperatures below recommended levels for assessing health risks.
He also warned of staffing issues caused by external factors such as travel delays and said other sectors such as transportation and energy could begin to be affected by the weather.
Met Office’s forecast for the UK from Monday 29 December
Tonight and tonight
Skies are clearing for many tonight, allowing temperatures to drop. A cold night with widespread frost, especially in the north. A few coastal showers will continue to affect the eastern districts.
Tuesday
Mostly dry with patchy clouds and sunny spells. Light showers are expected in the eastern coastal districts. Then clouds thicken in northern Scotland, with scattered rain and stronger winds.
Outlook from Wednesday to Friday
By New Year’s Eve it had largely settled for many, but the wind was starting to kick in along with the showers in Scotland. As the cold temperatures increase in the new year, snowfalls become more common along with icing.
