The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice across parts of Scotland, effective from 6am on New Year's Day until midnight on 2 January. Forecasters predict frequent and heavy snow showers could cause travel disruption, with accumulations of 2-5cm widely expected, 10cm in some areas, and up to 10-20cm above 200 metres. On higher routes and hills, 30cm or more may build up over the period.
An amber cold health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for north-east and north-west England, in place until noon on 5 January. Temperatures in these regions are expected to fall to 3-5C. The alert warns of significant impacts on health and social care services, including a potential rise in deaths among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions.
Elsewhere, temperatures from New Year's Day are forecast to be 4-6C, with a yellow cold health alert covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, south-east, south-west, east of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. The UKHSA said the cold weather could increase demand for health services and cause challenges in maintaining indoor temperatures at recommended levels in hospitals and care homes.
Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud said the UK is losing settled conditions for more showery weather with wintry hazards, particularly in the north. Northern parts are expected to bear the brunt of the chill from 1 January, with brisk winds bringing increasingly wintry showers as the week progresses.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, urged people to check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours, noting that cold temperatures increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. The Alzheimer's Society also advised checking on people with dementia, as they may not recognise they are cold or be able to communicate it.
