A severe and prolonged Arctic freeze is set to grip the United Kingdom for up to a week, with the Met Office issuing a stark warning that daytime temperatures will struggle to climb above freezing. The forecaster has activated multiple weather warnings for snow and ice, with parts of the country bracing for significant disruption from heavy snowfall.
Met Office Forecast: A Persistent and Dangerous Cold Spell
Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong confirmed that Arctic air now envelops most of the UK. The very cold weather is expected to persist through the weekend and well into next week, with overnight temperatures plunging into minus double figures in some areas. Daytime readings will barely rise above 0°C for many.
"It looks like this cold spell could last well into next week and wintry hazards will continue with more weather warnings likely," Armstrong stated. He urged the public to stay updated with forecasts and plan ahead for the challenging conditions.
Widespread Warnings and Potential Disruption
The Met Office has issued a series of yellow and amber warnings across the nation. An amber warning for heavy snow showers is in force for the Highlands north of Inverness, Moray, and all of Aberdeenshire from 12pm Friday until 12pm Saturday. This alert, the first since November, signals a high likelihood of widespread disruption.
Forecasters predict snow accumulations of 10-20cm at low levels and up to 40cm on higher ground, which could strand vehicles. Drivers in affected regions are advised to carry a winter kit containing warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, and a car charger.
Additional yellow warnings for snow and ice cover vast areas, including:
- Northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of Wales.
- South and west England, including London.
- The East Midlands, Yorkshire, Humber, and the North East on Saturday.
These warnings highlight risks of travel delays, road closures, and potential power cuts, particularly for rural communities. The public is also cautioned about treacherous icy surfaces.
Health Services on Alert as Cold Poses Deadly Risk
Concurrently, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has escalated its cold weather health alerts across England to an 'amber' level. This upgrade reflects grave concerns about the impact of the brutal conditions on elderly and vulnerable individuals.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, warned that the cold temperatures significantly increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections. The agency anticipates a rise in mortality among those aged 65 and over and people with pre-existing health conditions, alongside increased pressure on health services.
Hospitals may face challenges maintaining warm environments and could experience staffing issues due to transport disruption. The amber health alerts remain active until 10am on January 6.
Record Low Temperatures Herald the New Year
The freeze has already established a firm hold. On New Year's Day, temperatures plummeted to -9.6°C in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, with other lows including -8.1°C in Cumbria and -6.4°C in Wales. The Met Office noted that a New Year's Day swim might feel "relatively mild compared to the wind chill" experienced on land.
As the country navigates the first week of 2026, authorities continue to stress the importance of community vigilance. Checking on neighbours, planning essential journeys carefully, and heeding official warnings are considered critical to weathering this severe Arctic blast.
