The United Kingdom is bracing for a severe and prolonged cold snap as the first weekend of 2026 brings widespread snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures. The Met Office has activated a series of weather warnings, including serious amber alerts, predicting significant disruption across several regions.
Where and When Will the Snow Hit?
The most severe conditions are expected in Scotland, where the forecaster has issued multiple amber weather warnings for snow on Saturday, January 4. Areas under these amber alerts, including Shetland, Inverness, and Aberdeen, could see between 30 and 40 centimetres of snow accumulating on higher ground. Strong winds may combine with the snow to create blizzard conditions, severely reducing visibility.
These amber warnings are scheduled to remain active until midday on Saturday. However, the cold weather's grip will last far longer. Yellow warnings for snow and ice blanket most of northern Scotland, large parts of Northern Ireland—encompassing Belfast, Londonderry, and Donegal—and a stretch of eastern England from Newcastle upon Tyne down to Middlesbrough, Scarborough, and as far south as Norwich in Norfolk.
Further yellow alerts are in place for Wales and the South West of England, covering Devon and Cornwall, including Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth, and Truro. The disruptive weather has already arrived in some areas; on Friday, parts of northern Scotland experienced travel chaos, and the temperature in Drumnadrochit near Loch Ness plunged to a biting -5.7°C.
Travel Disruption and Health Warnings Issued
The Met Office has warned the public to prepare for severe travel delays, stranded vehicles, and potential power cuts. Rural communities are at particular risk of becoming temporarily cut off. Icy pavements and roads also pose a high risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Adding to the official weather alerts, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold health alert for most of England, valid until 10am on January 9. This indicates that the cold weather is expected to have a severe impact on health and social care services, with a heightened risk for those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions.
How Long Will the Freeze Last?
This Arctic blast is not a brief visitor. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks stated that "bitterly cold conditions will persist through the weekend and into next week." While the most severe amber snow warnings expire Saturday midday, the widespread yellow warnings for snow and ice will remain for much of the country throughout the weekend, with some lasting until 3pm on Monday.
Daytime temperatures will struggle to rise above freezing in many areas, with overnight lows potentially dropping into minus double figures in some places. The public is advised to stay updated on the latest forecasts, plan essential journeys carefully, and check on vulnerable neighbours during this period of extreme cold.
