A severe Arctic freeze has gripped the United Kingdom, plunging temperatures to a bone-chilling -12.5C and blanketing vast swathes of the country in up to three inches of snow. The extreme wintry conditions, which struck on Tuesday, 6th January 2026, have triggered widespread disruption, forcing hundreds of schools to close and causing major travel delays as yellow and amber weather warnings remain in force.
Record-Breaking Cold and Widespread Disruption
The mercury dropped to a staggering -12.5C in Marham, Norfolk, marking the coldest night of the winter so far. Other areas, including Santam Downham in Suffolk and Topcliffe in North Yorkshire, also experienced lows of around -10C. The sub-zero temperatures were accompanied by significant snowfall, leading to a second consecutive day of chaos. Hundreds of schools across Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland were forced to shut their doors on Tuesday morning, prioritising pupil safety.
Transport networks have been severely impacted. National Rail issued warnings of cancellations and significant disruption to train services, particularly in Scotland where snowdrifts caused major problems. Roads have also been treacherous, with diggers deployed in areas like Gartly, Scotland, to clear snow-blocked routes.
Met Office Issues Stern Warnings for More Snow
The Met Office has been clear that the hazardous conditions are set to continue. An amber weather warning for snow was active for parts of Scotland and the Highlands from 11am to 7pm on Tuesday, urging residents to travel only when absolutely necessary. The forecaster warned of a spell of heavy snow moving east across central and northern Scotland, bringing a further 5-10cm widely and up to 15cm in some places, especially above 200 metres.
Matthew Lehnert, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, stated: "The UK will continue to experience a range of winter weather hazards through this week, with low temperatures as well as snow showers and the risk of ice for many." He emphasised that the public must stay updated with forecasts as warnings are likely to be revised. Further yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are already in place for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Snow Spreads South and Icy Scenes Captured
According to WXCHARTS weather maps, the snowfall is predicted to move south throughout Tuesday, potentially affecting cities including Newcastle, Blackpool, Swansea, Bristol, Norwich, London, and Southampton. The freezing conditions have transformed the UK landscape, with captivating images showing the extent of the freeze.
From a frozen Basingstoke Canal and ice skaters braving Inverleith Pond in Edinburgh to snowball fights on the Clent Hills in Worcestershire and a frosty Regent's Canal in London, the nation has been coated in white. Pictures also show dedicated dog walkers and commuters navigating the snowy conditions in Glossop, Manchester, County Wicklow, and the snow-covered beauty of Bamburgh in Northumberland.
With the Met Office forecasting more extreme wintry weather towards the end of the week, the public is advised to prepare for ongoing cold, ice, and further potential snowfall, which will likely prolong the travel and educational disruption seen across the country.
