The Met Office has announced a series of fresh weather alerts as people in the UK prepare for snowfall.
A yellow warning for snow and ice is now in effect starting from midnight on Friday, covering regions in the southeast, London, the West Midlands, and much of Wales. In total, at least 79 locations are under snow advisories in the upcoming days, including warnings in Northern Ireland and Scotland on January 2. Additionally, further warnings are in place for the north of Scotland for Saturday and Sunday, as well as New Year’s Day.
Mark Sidaway, the Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, stated, “It looks like we are in for wintry conditions as we usher in the New Year, initially affecting the north but spreading across the UK during the first week of 2026. Arctic air and strong northerly winds will bring cold temperatures to all parts of the UK, with especially cold conditions in the windy areas. Widespread frosts and the first snow of the season are expected.”
The first snow warning is currently active in northern Scotland on New Year’s Day. The yellow warning covers areas in Central, Tayside, and Fife; Grampian; Highland and Eilean Siar; Orkney and Shetland; and Strathclyde from 6 am until midnight, with snow accumulations between 2-5cm in lower areas and up to 30cm in some regions. A wind warning will also coincide with the snow and ice advisory in certain areas.
On the second day of 2026, much of England and Wales could experience snowfall. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice from midnight until noon on Friday for various regions across the UK.
The affected areas include the East Midlands, East of England, London and the southeast, Northwest, Southwest, West Midlands, and Wales. The Met Office forecasts sleet and snow moving southeastwards across parts of England and Wales, lasting for 2-3 hours in each location.
Snow accumulations of 1-2cm are expected, with higher ground areas of north Wales and northwest England possibly seeing up to 5cm. Icy patches are likely to develop as the snow clears, potentially affecting road and rail services.
Northern Ireland is currently under a weather warning until 10 am, while the snow and ice alert in Scotland is set to end just before midnight on January 2. Another yellow snow and ice warning will be in place from midnight on January 3 until just before midnight on January 4 for several regions in the UK.
Mr. Sidaway mentioned that colder conditions and wintry hazards are anticipated to become more widespread as the New Year progresses, with additional snow and ice warnings likely. He emphasized the importance of staying updated on the latest forecasts and warnings throughout this cold spell.
Transport Scotland’s George Fiddes advised motorists to plan their journeys carefully and adjust their driving according to the weather conditions, considering the expected cold weather.
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised alerts across England due to the impending cold spell, warning of a potential increase in fatalities. An amber cold health alert has been issued for regions including the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire, and The Humber, citing significant impacts on health and social care services and a likely rise in deaths due to freezing temperatures.