The UK is set for a freezing first weekend of 2026 as Arctic winds bring a cold snap, prompting extended weather warnings for snow and ice. The Met Office has issued amber alerts for parts of Scotland from midday Friday for 24 hours, warning of a potential “risk to life” with up to 40cm of snow possible on higher ground.
Travel chaos, blizzards, and power cuts are expected, with rural communities potentially cut off. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued amber cold health alerts for England until 9 January, warning of increased deaths due to freezing temperatures.
Yellow warnings are in place across southwest England, Wales, and the east coast from Newcastle to Norwich. Temperatures are expected to hover around 1C for most of the country, dipping below freezing in parts of Scotland.
Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “With Arctic air now covering most of the UK, very cold weather will continue through the weekend, with minus double figures overnight in places.” He added that the cold spell could last well into next week.
Dr Agostinho Sousa of UKHSA urged people to check on vulnerable loved ones, as the cold can increase risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections. The Met Office confirmed that 2025 was the warmest year on record, with a mean temperature of 10.09C.
