UK households urged to place 9 items in cars before Thursday | UK | News

Households in the UK have been advised to load their cars with certain items before Thursday as the Met Office issued weather warnings for January 1 and 2. The new year will come with harsh weather conditions as the meteorological agency announced that 2026 will start with snowfall and ice in some parts of the country.

Mark Sidaway, Met Office deputy head of forecasting, said: “We certainly look set to face 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 people.”

A yellow weather warning has been issued for Scotland for Thursday, January 1 and Friday, January 2. The Met Office has advised travelers to keep certain items in their cars as snow and ice are expected to cause “disruption to travel at the beginning of the year”.

The statement said: “Snowy and cold weather can cause delays and make driving conditions hazardous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, check for delays and road closures, change your travel plans if necessary.

“If you’re driving, take more time to prepare and check your car before you leave; make sure you have the essentials in your car in case of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, blanket, flashlight, ice scraper/defroster, warning triangle, high-vis vest and in-car phone charger).

The weather agency also warns drivers not to rely on their smartphones as a torch or map; Instead, it is recommended to keep a “paper road atlas in case you stray or get lost.”

Weather warnings can change quickly, so it is always recommended to check your local weather forecast regularly to stay informed of any announcements.