A bitter and persistent cold snap has tightened its grip on the United Kingdom and much of Europe, prompting meteorological services to extend severe weather warnings. The Met Office has prolonged its alerts for frost and ice across the UK into the coming week, while similarly frigid conditions are forecast to sweep across central, western, and south-western parts of the European continent.
Winter's Icy Grasp Across the UK
The freeze has transformed landscapes and disrupted daily life from Scotland to southern England. In Aberdeen, accumulations of up to 10cm of snow have been reported, blanketing the area in a deep white layer. Further south, the iconic fountains in London's Trafalgar Square have been partially frozen, a stark visual testament to the sub-zero temperatures. The capital's expansive Richmond Park was also captured under a thick, crystalline coating of frost.
Liverpool has seen roads and rooftops in areas like Lee Park and Mossley Hill covered with snow, creating picturesque but hazardous scenes. In North Yorkshire, residents of Scarborough were seen braving the elements along a snow-dusted seafront. The cold has also firmly taken hold in Ireland, with the Wicklow Gap mountain pass in County Wicklow adorned with long, dramatic icicles.
Widespread European Freeze
The chilling conditions are far from confined to the British Isles. Storm Anna has delivered heavy snowfall and strong winds to the Netherlands, leaving bicycles in Nijmegen buried under a thick white blanket. In the Austrian Tyrol, the historic stone ruins of Ehrenberg Castle stand sentinel on a rocky hilltop, surrounded by snow-clad evergreen forests near Reutte.
Major continental cities are also shivering. In Paris, pedestrians navigated snow-covered paths below the Sacré-Cœur Basilica at Butte Montmartre. Meanwhile, in Munich, residents took advantage of the freeze by skating on the frozen surface of the Nymphenburg canal in front of the majestic palace. Further east, in Novi Sad, Serbia, the cold snap continues amidst ongoing urban renovations.
Ongoing Warnings and Forecast
The key concern for authorities remains the significant risk posed by ice and frost. The Met Office warnings, extended on Monday 5 January 2026, highlight the ongoing danger for travellers and pedestrians. With temperatures forecast to remain dangerously low, the public is urged to exercise caution on untreated surfaces.
This widespread Arctic blast serves as a potent reminder of winter's power, transforming cityscapes and countryside alike into frozen tableaus while testing the resilience of infrastructure and daily routines across the region.
