UK hit by big freeze as Met Office extends weather warnings for snow and ice
Brits brace for a freezing first weekend of 2026 as Arctic winds bring chilly weather across the UK.
Multiple weather warnings for snow and ice will be in place from Friday to Monday, with up to 20cm of snowfall possible in the highest parts of Scotland.
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for parts of Scotland for 24 hours from midday on Friday. Yellow weather warnings are also in place for parts of south-west England and Wales.
On Saturday, yellow warnings remain in force across south-west England and are also issued on the east coast from Newcastle to Norwich. Temperatures are expected to be around 1C in most of the country, with the mercury expected to drop below freezing in parts of Scotland.
Icy conditions will move westwards on Sunday, putting Greater Manchester, Wales and parts of south-west England under a yellow warning from 3pm until noon on Monday, with temperatures remaining around 1C.
Snowstorms are expected across the UK, including areas not covered by weather warnings. On Friday evening, showers are expected to gradually turn into winter and some snow is expected. Forecasters said they would become more frequent and sometimes severe, moving inland early Saturday.
Widespread snow accumulations of around 1-3cm are expected, with 5-8cm expected in places such as the North York Moors, according to the Met Office. Snowfall will gradually ease and decrease on Saturday evening, and will move offshore during the night.
Snowfall is expected to move into inland Wales, parts of north-west England, the West Midlands and south-west England on Sunday evening. Around 1 to 3cm of snow is expected to fall in many places on Monday morning, with 5 to 8cm expected to accumulate in a few places, particularly in inland and high elevation Wales.
Forecasters are warning people to check travel conditions, allow extra time for journeys and prepare for power outages in the highest part of Scotland.
Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “The very cold weather will continue through the weekend as Arctic air now covers much of the UK, with overnight temperatures in minus double figures in some places and daytime temperatures struggling to get above 0C for some.
“It looks like this cold weather could last well into next week and winter dangers are likely to continue with more weather warnings in place, so it’s important for people to keep up with the latest forecasts and warnings and plan ahead.”
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow cold health warnings for England until 6 January. These warnings come into force when adverse temperatures are likely to affect the health and well-being of the population.
UKHSA Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection, Dr. Agostinho Sousa said: “As the weather gets colder, it is vital to check on your most vulnerable – friends, family and neighbours.
“Predicted temperatures could have a serious impact on some people’s health, leading to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and chest infection, especially for those over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
Friday
There is heavy snowfall in the north and northeast of Scotland today. In the south, the rain and snow clear, leaving behind a sunny sky. Scattered showers in the west and east. Apart from that, it is thin and dry, but it feels cold in the strong wind blowing from the north.
Nighty
Frequent snow showers continue to affect areas exposed to sharp northern winds that would otherwise dry out with long periods of clear weather. It is colder than recent nights and a hard frost is developing.
Saturday
A cold and freezing start to Saturday for everyone. Snow showers continue on windy coasts; Prolonged snowfall is likely in parts of north-east Scotland. I feel so cold.
Sunday to Tuesday
Although there is plenty of sunshine during this period, sleet and snowfall especially affect areas exposed to northern winds. The cold remains, with widespread night frosts. The showers are easing as of Monday.
