Heavy snow forecast for parts of UK as weather warning issued | UK weather
Heavy snowfall is expected in some parts of England due to the weather warning issued by Meteorology.
A yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for parts of Scotland from 6am on New Year’s Day until midnight on January 2.
Yellow cold health warning issued for north-east and north-west England; This warning is expected to continue until noon on January 5, with temperatures expected to drop to 3-5C (37-41F).
The Met Office said the yellow warning for snow and ice meant “frequent and heavy snow showers could cause travel disruption”.
On Friday morning the Met Office is forecasting 2-5cm of snowfall; It snows 10 cm in some local areas, and 10-20 cm in some areas above 200 meters. The forecaster added that 30cm or more of structure could form on the highest routes and hills throughout the period.
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has issued the yellow alert, saying it means the weather conditions could cause significant impacts on health and social care services, including an increase in deaths among people with underlying health conditions or those aged 65 and over.
Starting from the new year, temperatures in other places are expected to be 4-6 degrees and a yellow health alert is issued.
The Met Office said the final days of 2025 won’t be “particularly fantastic” with temperatures of 7-8C, but things will change come 2026.
Northern parts of the UK are expected to bear the brunt of colder conditions from January 1; As the week progresses, strong winds will move north, bringing more showers.
Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud said: “We’re losing those types of stable but cold conditions and introducing a slightly wetter environment with greater wintry danger, particularly for the north of the country.”
The UKHSA said England could also see impacts on young people, with demand for healthcare services likely to increase across regions.
It also warned that “temperatures in places such as hospitals and care homes could fall below recommended levels to assess health risks” and that “the difficulties of keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C could lead to greater risks for vulnerable people.”
He said there may be staff shortages due to external factors such as travel delays, and other sectors such as transportation and energy may also begin to be affected.
The agency has issued a yellow cold health warning for the East Midlands, West Midlands, south-east, south-west, east of England, Yorkshire and the Humber and London. A yellow alert means there is potential for significant impact.
UKHSA’s head of extreme events and health protection, Dr. Agostinho Sousa said: “As the weather gets colder, it’s vital to check on friends, family and neighbors who are most vulnerable. Forecast temperatures can have a serious impact on some people’s health and lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and chest infections, especially for those over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
The Alzheimer’s Association said it can be difficult for people with dementia to adjust to cooler temperatures and they may not realize or express when they feel cold.
The charity urged people to check on loved ones, friends and neighbors living with dementia to make sure they are dressed appropriately, in a warm room and eating, drinking and moving regularly. Making the most of natural daylight, sticking to a routine and encouraging smaller, slower steps in slippery conditions can also help keep them safe, the charity said.
