The UK is braced for severe travel disruption today as a major snow event sweeps across the country. The Met Office has escalated its weather warnings, issuing an amber alert for snow and ice across northern Scotland where up to 40 centimetres (15 inches) of snow is forecast to fall.
Amber Warning in Force for Heavy Snow
Forecasters have upgraded warnings to amber for parts of the Highlands and north-east Scotland, including Aberdeenshire, Moray, and Perth and Kinross. The alert is active from midday on Friday, 2nd January 2026, until midday on Saturday.
The Met Office states that heavy snow showers will become more frequent and may merge into prolonged spells. Accumulations of 10-20cm are expected at low levels, with a potential for 30-40cm on higher ground. Strong winds will likely cause drifting snow and create temporary blizzard conditions, significantly reducing visibility.
Widespread Disruption Expected
The severe weather is predicted to cause substantial travel chaos. The Met Office warns of probable delays and cancellations to rail and air services. Road travel is also expected to be heavily impacted, with some communities, particularly in rural areas, at risk of becoming cut off.
Further disruptions could include power cuts and dangerous icy conditions. While the amber warning covers northern Scotland, separate yellow warnings for snow and ice extend much further south, even encompassing areas like Greater London, indicating a widespread wintry hazard.
A Nation in the Grip of Arctic Air
The disruptive snowfall is being driven by a plunge of cold Arctic air that now blankets most of the United Kingdom. Snow began falling across the Scottish Highlands on Thursday and is set to continue and intensify throughout Friday.
This amber warning period is highlighted by meteorologists as the time when the heaviest and most disruptive snow is most likely during the current cold spell. Residents are urged to check travel advice before setting out, prepare for potential interruptions to services, and follow the latest guidance from authorities.
