The Met Office has issued a severe amber weather warning for parts of the UK, forecasting heavy snow and potential blizzard conditions that threaten significant disruption as 2026 begins with a deep freeze.
Amber Warning Details and Forecast Snowfall
The forecaster upgraded a yellow warning to amber for the Highlands and north-east Scotland, active from midday on Friday, 2 January, until midday on Saturday, 3 January. Accumulations of 10-20cm of snow are expected at low levels, with a staggering 30-40cm possible on higher ground.
Strong winds accompanying the snow showers could lead to temporary blizzard conditions, severely reducing visibility. A separate yellow warning for snow and ice remains in force for northern Scotland on New Year's Day, with 2-5cm forecast by Thursday evening and up to 20cm above 200 metres by Friday morning.
Widespread Disruption and Travel Chaos Expected
The Met Office has warned the public to prepare for considerable travel disruption. Delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely, and road conditions are expected to be treacherous. Some rural communities risk being cut off entirely.
Further yellow warnings for snow and ice extend the risk south. From midnight to noon on Friday, areas from Chester and Greater Manchester down to London and Kent are affected, with up to 5cm of snow possible. Separate yellow warnings are in place for Northern Ireland and for parts of Scotland down to Perth until Sunday.
Key impacts forecast include:
- Power cuts affecting homes and businesses.
- Dangerous icy surfaces leading to injuries from slips and falls.
- Longer journey times for road, bus, and train services.
Public Health Alert as Cold Spell Grips the Nation
Alongside the travel warnings, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has escalated its cold health alerts. Amber alerts are now in force across all regions of England, including the East and West Midlands, South East, South West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London, until 10am on 6 January.
Dr Paul Coleman, a consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, stated that the severe cold weather is likely to have a significant impact on health services and could lead to a rise in deaths among vulnerable groups. "Exposure to cold can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections," he said, urging people to check on elderly neighbours, friends, and family.
The Met Office confirmed that this cold spell is set to persist into the following week, with temperatures remaining well below average and further warnings possible.
