The Met Office has issued a stark warning that the UK is set for a severe bout of wintry weather, with the potential for up to 20 inches (50cm) of snow to accumulate on the highest Scottish peaks. A surge of Arctic air is forecast to envelop the entire country by Friday, 2 January 2026, triggering a series of urgent weather alerts for snow, ice, and wind.
Significant Snow Accumulations Forecast
Meteorologist Alex Burkill detailed the forecast, indicating that eastern parts of England, including North Yorkshire and Humberside, will be among the first to feel the brunt from Saturday. Computer models suggest these areas could see more than 20cm (around eight inches) of snow, although Mr Burkill cautioned this was a "worst-case scenario."
"I think there's a greater chance it's going to be a little bit less than that. But nonetheless, there is the potential for some fairly significant snow," he stated in a YouTube briefing.
Scottish Highlands Braced for Worst Impact
The most extreme conditions are predicted for the Scottish Highlands. The Met Office warns that 20 to 30cm of snow could fall widely across northern Scotland, with a staggering close to 50cm (20 inches) on the highest mountain peaks. "That's not out of the question," added Mr Burkill.
This has prompted a severe weather warning for Central, Tayside & Fife, Grampian, Highlands & Eilean Siar, Orkney & Shetland and Strathclyde. The alert warns of:
- Vehicles likely to become stranded.
- Treacherous, icy surfaces.
- Potential power cuts.
Nationwide Freeze and Travel Disruption
Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly confirmed the UK is "entering a much colder period," with the frigid air spreading south. Temperatures are set to fall well below average, struggling to rise above 0°C during the day for many areas over the weekend, with overnight lows potentially hitting double figures below freezing.
Separate warnings for ice and snow extend as far south as Kent for Friday, indicating probable travel disruption on roads and railways, with icy patches on untreated paths. The cold snap is expected to persist well into the following week, prompting officials to urge the public to stay updated with forecasts and plan ahead.
The dramatic shift follows a relatively mild Wednesday, where temperatures reached 8.5°C in the Outer Hebrides, before the plunge into Arctic conditions.
