Hundreds of schools across the United Kingdom are closed this Monday, 5th January 2026, as significant snowfall and icy conditions cause widespread disruption. The closures come as many pupils and workers were due to return after the festive period, with the Met Office issuing a string of severe weather warnings.
Widespread Disruption Across Scotland and Northern UK
Much of Scotland is bearing the brunt of the wintry weather, with several amber snow warnings in force. Hundreds of schools in the north of the country are shut, either fully or partially. Pupils in Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles, and Aberdeenshire have been granted an unexpected extra day of holiday.
In Aberdeen city, schools and early education provisions will not open until 11am, with breakfast clubs cancelled. Numerous schools in the Moray region are also closed. The Met Office amber warning for heavy snow showers covers Shetland, Orkney, and parts of the Highlands and Aberdeenshire until 10am on Monday.
Met Office Warnings and Forecasted Snowfall
The amber alert indicates that 5 to 10cm of snow is likely to fall fairly widely, with some locations potentially seeing 20 to 30cm accumulations over mainland Scotland. Forecasters warn that strong winds may lead to drifting snow and temporary blizzard conditions.
A broader yellow warning for snow and ice extends as far south as Perth and remains in place for the rest of the day. Within this zone, Grampian, the northwest Highlands, and Aberdeenshire are expected to see the most frequent snow showers.
Separate yellow warnings for snow and ice are also active for Wales, Greater Manchester, and south-west England. Meanwhile, a yellow warning for ice covers much of England's east coast.
Health Alert Issued for Vulnerable People
Alongside the travel and education disruption, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold health alert for England, valid until Tuesday. This serves as an early warning that the adverse temperatures are likely to impact health and social care services.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, urged the public to check on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours. He warned that the cold forecast could increase risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, particularly for those over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions.
Temperatures are expected to struggle to rise above freezing across many parts of the UK, as the Met Office warns that cold conditions will bring a range of wintry hazards for the next several days.
