The UK faces a severe cold snap starting New Year's Day. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice across Scotland. Health authorities warn of a potential "rise in deaths" among vulnerable populations as Arctic air sweeps across the country.
Forecasters predict heavy snow showers will begin at 6am on January 1 in northern Scotland, with accumulations reaching around 10cm locally by Friday morning. The highest roads and hills could see up to 30cm of snow, accompanied by strong, potentially gale-force northerly winds.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold health alerts for the North East and North West of England, valid until noon on January 5, with temperatures expected to drop to 3-5C. Yellow alerts cover the rest of England. The agency warned the weather is "likely" to cause significant impacts across health and social care services.
Arctic blast brings widespread winter hazards
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: "It certainly looks like we are in for a taste of 'winter' as we welcome in the new year, initially in the north but more widely across the UK for the first week of 2026."
He added: "Arctic air and strong northerly winds will bring cold or very cold conditions to all parts of the UK, and it will feel especially cold in the strong winds. Widespread and locally severe frosts are expected, along with the first snow of the winter for many."
Some areas could experience temperatures as low as -12C, with the North East expected to see particularly severe conditions. The Met Office warned that snow will drift significantly given the strength of the winds, with lightning potentially posing an additional hazard.
Health services brace for impact
The health alerts warn of increased risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions. The UKHSA anticipates challenges in maintaining indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C, leading to greater risk for vulnerable people.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, urged: "As the colder weather sets in it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable. The forecasted 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."
The agency warned of a likely increase in demand for health services and potential staffing issues due to travel delays.
Extended cold spell ahead
The yellow warning for snow and ice covers Scotland north of the central belt from 6am on New Year's Day until midnight on January 2. The Met Office has indicated more warnings for snow and ice are likely as the cold conditions develop more widely.
Sidaway said: "These colder conditions and wintry hazards – snow, ice and strong winds – will develop more widely as we enter the new year, with more warnings for snow and ice likely. It looks like this cold spell will last through at least the first week of January, so it's important people keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings."
Forecasters predict significant travel disruption, with possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel. Rural communities could face isolation, and power cuts may occur. Untreated pavements and cycle paths will become impassable in some areas.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
