Britain to be blanketed with snow and ice for new year as Met Office issues fresh weather warnings
Britons will start the new year with a shower of snow as the Met Office issues new weather warnings.
Up to 5cm of snow is expected to cover parts of the country from midnight on January 1, as the cold weather causes freezing temperatures for many people. Icy conditions will also cause disruptions as people travel across the country following New Year’s celebrations.
The yellow warning for snow and ice is in force from midnight until noon on Friday and covers large parts of England and Wales, from Chester and Greater Manchester to London and Kent.
Separate yellow warnings are in place for Northern Ireland from midnight until 10am on Friday, and in Northern Scotland from 6am until the end of Friday on New Year’s Eve.
Forecasters are warning that up to 10cm of snow could accumulate in parts of Scotland by Friday as showers turn to snow north of Glasgow. Freezing conditions are expected to move south-east across parts of England and Wales on Thursday, with snowstorms expected to last two to three hours.
Approximately 1 to 2 cm of snow is expected to accumulate where it lands; In the higher parts of North Wales and North West England, 5 cm of snow is expected to accumulate.
The Met Office advises people to leave home at least five minutes earlier than usual to reduce the risk of slips and falls when rushing. He also urged people to check roads and public transport before traveling and to allow extra time for journeys.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: “It certainly looks like we are 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 Eve 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 are under yellow alert for this period.
This means that cold temperatures are likely to affect the health and well-being of the population. UKHSA Head of Extraordinary Events and Health Protection, Dr. Agostinho Sousa urged people to check on their neighbors, family and friends as temperatures drop.
“As colder weather approaches, it is vital to check in on your most vulnerable friends, family and neighbors,” she said.
“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.”
Wednesday
A sunny, dry New Year’s Eve across much of England and Wales. More cloudy and scattered showers elsewhere. A cold day, winds in the north increasing later. Then showers will turn wintry in the Highlands of Scotland.
Nighty
Windy rain followed by showers across Scotland. It’s drier elsewhere, with clear spells especially in the south. Frost and scattered fog or mist under a clearer sky. I feel cold.
new year’s day
New Year’s Day will be cool and windy, especially in the north and east. Winter showers across northern Scotland and extending towards the west coast. Dry elsewhere with sunny spells.
Friday to Sunday
The cold continues with night frosts. Mostly dry, with some sunny weather expected, but wintry showers are also expected, particularly in the north and occasionally extending towards the west and east coasts.
