Large parts of the UK will be blanketed with snow and ice this weekend as Arctic air from Scandinavia brings a bitterly cold start to 2026. The Met Office has issued amber and yellow weather warnings, forecasting up to 40cm of snow on higher ground in northern Scotland.
Snowfall is expected across all four nations on Friday or Saturday, with blizzard conditions and “thundersnow” possible in the Scottish Highlands. Lower-lying areas in northern Scotland could see 10cm-20cm, while rain, sleet and hill snow will affect Wales and central England before moving southwards.
The wintry conditions, which began with sub-zero temperatures on New Year’s Eve, are set to persist for several days. Forecasters warn of delays to rail and air travel, potential power cuts, and road disruption, with some rural communities possibly cut off.
Police Scotland’s head of road policing, Ch Supt Scott McCarren, urged motorists to consider essential travel only and to drive to conditions. Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold health alerts for all English regions, warning of increased risks for older people and those with health conditions.
The worst disruption is expected to clear by early next week, when schools reopen and people return to work. NHS leaders warn the cold snap will add “extraordinary pressure” on health services already stretched by a busy winter.
