The UK is bracing for a major winter onslaught as Storm Goretti threatens to bring heavy snow and severe disruption later this week. The Met Office has issued a fresh series of amber and yellow weather warnings, with sub-zero temperatures already gripping the nation and Scotland facing significant travel chaos.
Widespread Warnings and Immediate Hazards
On Tuesday, 6th January 2026, the UK woke to freezing conditions, with two amber snow warnings and five yellow snow and ice warnings active across Scotland, the North West, east and south west of England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. The amber alerts, in place from 11am to 7pm, warned it was not safe to drive in northern Scotland, urging people to make only essential journeys.
Snow is forecast to move east across central and northern Scotland throughout Tuesday, with 2 to 5cm expected widely and 10 to 15cm over higher ground. As temperatures fluctuate, snow may turn to sleet or rain before returning as showers by evening. A wider yellow warning for snow and ice covers much of Scotland until midnight.
The forecaster warned of likely impacts on roads and railways, with longer journey times and a risk of injury from slips and falls on icy surfaces. Adam Stachura, Policy Director at Age Scotland, urged people to stay home where possible, ensuring they have enough food and medication to avoid risky trips.
Extended Disruption and Storm Goretti's Arrival
The hazardous conditions are set to persist. A yellow ice warning for Northern Ireland runs from 6pm Tuesday until 11am Wednesday, with a wider UK ice warning from midnight to 10am Wednesday due to icy patches forming on untreated surfaces.
Attention then turns to Storm Goretti, named by the French weather service. The Met Office has issued a yellow snow warning for Wales, the south east, west of England, and the Midlands from 6pm on Thursday. This deep area of low pressure is likely to bring heavy snow, causing further travel disruption. A separate yellow wind warning is in place for south west England from 3pm until midnight Thursday.
The snow warning extends into Friday until midday, with 5-10cm of snow likely over higher ground in south Wales and potentially up to 20cm in some spots. Strong winds may cause drifting, with rain and snow clearing eastwards later in the day.
Health Alerts and Ongoing Travel Chaos
In response to the prolonged cold, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended an amber cold health alert for all of England until 10am Friday. Dr Agostinho Sousa warned of significant impacts on health services and increased risks for the over-65s and those with pre-existing conditions.
The weather has already caused severe travel disruption. On Monday, dozens of flights from Aberdeen International Airport were cancelled, and Glasgow Airport saw five cancellations. Train services in Scotland were heavily affected, with lines around Aberdeen and Inverness unlikely to run until midday Monday due to drifting snow.
Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop thanked frontline workers and advised the public to delay journeys if possible, ensure vehicles are winter-ready, and follow police travel advice.
Matthew Lehnert, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, stated: "As we begin the first full working week of the year, we face a range of winter weather hazards... There is also the possibility of more organised snow along the boundary of the mild and cold air masses. Strong winds could also be a feature later in the week."
