A major winter weather system is causing significant disruption across the United Kingdom as the festive break ends, with heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures leading to school closures, transport delays, and health warnings.
Widespread Warnings and Travel Chaos
The Met Office has issued a series of severe weather warnings. Four amber warnings for heavy snow are active across northern Scotland until Monday morning, with yellow warnings for snow and ice covering Northern Ireland, Wales, and much of England. Forecasters predict up to 30cm of snow on high ground in Scotland, with the potential for rural communities to become cut off.
The conditions have severely impacted travel. Loganair cancelled all flights from Inverness and Aberdeen airports on Sunday, offering customers fee-free changes. Drivers across Scotland are being urged to plan ahead, leave extra time, and exercise extreme caution on treacherous roads.
Police Scotland's assistant chief constable, Alan Waddell, advised the public: "The forecasted heavy snow showers and ice means driving conditions are likely to be hazardous in some areas. Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during the weather warnings."
School Closures and Public Health Alerts
The return to school after the holidays has been disrupted for many. All schools on the Shetland Islands are closed on Monday, while schools in Aberdeen will not open until 11am. The situation is being closely monitored as the weather develops.
Beyond the immediate travel issues, the cold snap poses a serious health risk. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for the whole of England, which remain in place until Tuesday.
Agostinho Sousa, UKHSA's head of extreme events and health protection, emphasised the danger: "The forecast temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions." He urged people to check on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours.
Official Response and Outlook
Scotland's transport secretary, Fiona Hyslop, publicly thanked gritter drivers, chainsaw crews, police, and other responders who worked through the weekend. She warned of continuing challenges: "We've already seen challenging conditions and freezing temperatures, with more snow and ice on the way for the same areas. If you have to travel then please ensure your vehicle is winter ready and have a winter kit in your car."
Looking ahead, Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert indicated a shift later in the week. "Milder air will make attempts to spread eastward from Tuesday," he said, noting this would bring rain to the south but also the risk of organised snow along the boundary of the air masses, accompanied by potentially strong winds.
Authorities across the UK continue to monitor the situation, urging the public to stay informed via official channels and to prioritise safety during this period of severe winter weather.
