UK weather mapped: Met Office issues new weather warnings as snow continues to blanket UK
There are numerous cold weather warnings in place across the UK as the country looks set to shudder throughout the first weekend of 2026.
There are six yellow weather warnings for snow and ice, with the latest warnings lasting until Monday, while several yellow snow warnings are in place for northern Scotland and Shetland throughout Saturday.
The Met Office said that in the regions covered by the yellow alert, 10-20 cm of snow may be seen at low altitudes and 30-40 cm of snow at high altitudes, and winds may cause blizzard.
Snow has caused widespread disruption to roads and railways in parts of the north of Scotland, and the Met Office has warned of power cuts, the risk of losing power to communities and stranding vehicles.
Other parts of the UK saw snow on Friday, and yellow warnings are in force until 3pm on Monday in parts of the UK, including much of Northern Ireland.
Rebekah Hicks, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Arctic air and gusty northern winds are gripping the UK as we start the new year.
“Snow and ice warnings remain in place for many areas; there is a risk of heavy snowfall, particularly at higher elevations in northern Scotland and elsewhere, but most inland areas will remain largely sunny and clear.
“Bitter cold conditions will continue through the weekend and into next week, with daytime temperatures struggling to get above freezing for some and overnight lows dropping into minus double figures in places.”
The Met Office has urged people to check conditions before travelling, allow extra time for journeys and be prepared for possible power outages in the coldest areas.
This comes after temperatures dropped to -5.7C at Drumnadrochit on the banks of Loch Ness on Friday; Daytime temperatures are expected to remain in the low single digits across much of the country on Saturday and remain below freezing in parts of northern Scotland.
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has issued warnings across England valid until 9 January
The yellow cold health alert means the weather is expected to have serious impacts on health and social care services.
The warning has been issued for the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber and London.
Authorities predict there will be an increase in deaths, especially among those aged 65 and over or with underlying health conditions, and the effects may also occur in younger age groups.
Meanwhile, the British Heart Foundation said cold weather may pose certain risks for people with heart conditions because the heart has to work harder, which could make existing health conditions worse.
The organization said that thousands more deaths occur from heart and circulatory diseases in the UK each year during the winter months.
Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and people with cardiovascular disease are also at greater risk of serious illness if they catch seasonal respiratory infections such as flu.
“It is especially important for people living with heart disease to prepare well for the cold this winter, dress warmly and get a free flu vaccine.”
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.
