Hundreds of pupils across the United Kingdom face another day of disruption as dozens of schools remain closed on Wednesday, 7th January 2026, due to treacherous winter weather. The widespread closures follow a day of similar disruption on Tuesday, as snow and ice continue to cause significant hazards.
Nationwide Weather Warnings in Force
The Met Office has issued a series of yellow and amber weather alerts covering large swathes of the country. On Tuesday, four separate yellow warnings for snow and ice were active, alongside an amber warning for snow in certain areas. The situation remains precarious, with a snow and ice alert covering much of Scotland in force throughout Wednesday.
Furthermore, two separate ice warnings, which were active from Tuesday evening, remain in place until Wednesday morning. These alerts cover the rest of the UK and Northern Ireland, indicating a continued risk of dangerous, icy surfaces on roads and pavements. Forecasters have described the potential for "disruptive" snow and rain across parts of England this week.
Aberdeen Schools Announce Full Closure
One of the most significant impacts is in Aberdeen, where the local authority has taken the decision to keep all educational establishments shut. Aberdeen City Council confirmed that every school in the area will be closed on Wednesday. The council stated the decision was made in light of the ongoing severe weather forecast, prioritising the safety of pupils, parents, and staff.
To mitigate the impact on learning, the council confirmed that online learning resources will be made available for students while they are at home. The full list of schools affected in Aberdeen includes:
- Aberdeen Grammar School
- Bridge of Don Academy
- Bucksburn Academy
- Cults Academy
- Dyce Academy
- Harlaw Academy
- Hazlehead Academy
- Lochside Academy
- Northfield Academy
- Oldmachar Academy
- St Machar Academy
Numerous primary schools and early learning centres are also closed, including Abbotswell School, Bramble Brae School, Ferryhill School, and Seaton School, among many others.
Ongoing Disruption Across the UK
The disruption is not confined to Scotland. On Tuesday, many schools in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland were forced to close their doors as the winter weather took hold. The continued Met Office warnings suggest that further travel disruption and safety concerns are likely throughout the day on Wednesday.
Parents and guardians are advised to check their local council websites and school communication channels for the very latest updates on closures and arrangements. The situation remains fluid, dependent on overnight temperatures and further snowfall.
