A fierce Arctic blast has plunged the UK into a deep freeze, triggering widespread disruption as heavy snow and ice force hundreds of schools to close and bring travel networks to a standstill. With temperatures plummeting to -9C, the Met Office has issued a swathe of weather warnings, forecasting days of further wintry chaos.
Widespread Disruption and School Closures
The impact of the severe weather is being felt most acutely in the education sector. Hundreds of schools will remain closed on Tuesday, 6th January 2026, with the majority of closures concentrated in Wales and Scotland. In Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and Orkney Islands Council have confirmed that all schools and nurseries under their authority will be shut. The University of the Highlands and Islands campus in Kirkwall, Orkney, will also remain closed until conditions improve.
In Northern Ireland, dozens of schools are also shut due to treacherous conditions. The list of affected institutions is extensive, spanning from Staffordshire in England to the remote islands of Shetland. Parents are advised to check their local council website or contact their child's school directly for the latest information.
Travel Networks in Turmoil
The transport system is struggling to cope with the onslaught. Passengers faced significant delays and cancellations on Monday, with many left stranded at airports including Manchester, Liverpool, Aberdeen, and Inverness. The Met Office is warning of frequent and heavy snow showers, particularly across parts of Scotland covering Aberdeen, Aviemore, and Ullapool.
Higher ground in Scotland could see accumulations of 20-30cm, while lower levels may receive 5-10cm. Police Scotland have urged the public to avoid all but essential travel, with Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell stating driving conditions are "likely to be hazardous." Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in force for most of the UK, excluding only the South-East, Cumbria, western Yorkshire, and southern Scotland.
Passenger Rights During Flight Cancellations
For those affected by flight disruptions, understanding your rights is crucial. Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, emphasises that airlines have a clear duty of care. If you are flying with a UK or EU airline, or departing from a UK or EU airport, you are entitled to assistance during significant delays:
- Meals and refreshments after two hours for short-haul flights, three for medium-haul, and four for long-haul.
- Hotel accommodation if you are delayed overnight.
- If your flight is cancelled, you have the right to a full refund or to be rerouted on the next available flight, even with a rival carrier.
Passengers should keep all receipts for reasonable expenses and claim them back from the airline. The Met Office has also warned that the severe conditions could cut off rural communities and potentially impact mobile phone coverage.
With the cold spell set to continue, authorities are advising the public to stay informed via official weather warnings and plan journeys carefully. The disruption serves as a stark reminder of winter's grip on the nation as communities brace for further snow.
