The United Kingdom is shivering through a severe and prolonged cold snap, with heavy snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures set to grip the nation as Arctic air sweeps in from Scandinavia. The Met Office has issued a series of amber and yellow weather warnings, forecasting significant disruption to travel and daily life.
Widespread Snow and Ice Forecast
Forecasters predict snowfall across all four UK nations on Friday or Saturday, marking a bitterly cold start to 2026. The Scottish Highlands are expected to bear the brunt, with blizzard conditions and the potential for dramatic "thundersnow" – thunderstorms where precipitation falls as snow.
The Met Office warns that higher ground in northern Scotland could see accumulations of up to 40cm (16 inches), with 10cm to 20cm possible in lower-lying areas. Amber weather warnings, indicating a high likelihood of severe disruption, are active for northern Scotland, including much of the Highlands and the region around Aberdeen.
Travel Chaos and Safety Warnings
The icy conditions are already causing problems, with revellers seeing in the New Year in freezing temperatures. Readings plummeted to -6.2C (20.8F) in Bournemouth and -2.5C in Cardiff at midnight on Wednesday.
The chilling Arctic air mass is expected to linger for several days, leading to probable delays and cancellations for rail and air travel. Road users are urged to exercise extreme caution, with power cuts and hazardous conditions likely. Some rural communities risk becoming cut off entirely.
Police Scotland's head of road policing, Ch Supt Scott McCarren, implored drivers to consider if their journeys were essential. "If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time," he stated, adding a firm reminder not to ignore road closures put in place for public safety.
Health Alert as NHS Faces Further Pressure
Beyond transport, the deep freeze poses a serious risk to public health. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for every region of England, which will remain until 10am next Tuesday.
Health leaders warn the cold snap will pile "extraordinary pressure" on an already stretched NHS. Dr Paul Coleman, a UKHSA health protection consultant, highlighted the dangers: "Low temperatures like these can have serious impacts... leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections." He urged the public to check on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours.
There is a glimmer of hope for early next week, with the worst of the disruptive weather expected to clear as most schools reopen and people return to work. For now, however, the UK is firmly in the grip of a fierce and disruptive winter onslaught.
