The UK faces a wintry start to 2026 as the Met Office has upgraded snow warnings to amber in parts of Scotland, while health authorities escalate cold weather alerts to amber across most of England. The warnings signal significant disruption to travel and health services as Arctic air grips the nation.
The Highlands and north-east Scotland face an amber warning from midday Friday to midday Saturday, with 10-20cm of snow expected at low levels and 30-40cm on high ground. Temporary blizzard conditions are possible due to strong winds.
Yellow warnings for snow and ice extend across large parts of England and Wales from midnight Friday to noon Friday, covering regions from Chester and Greater Manchester southwards to London and Kent. Snow accumulations of up to 5cm are forecast, particularly on higher ground in North Wales and north-west England. Northern Ireland faces a separate yellow warning from midnight Friday to 10am Friday.
The UK Health Security Agency has upgraded cold health alerts to amber for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. These alerts, in place until 10am on January 6, join existing amber warnings for the North East and North West of England.
Health and travel impacts
The UKHSA warns the weather is «likely» to cause significant impacts across health and social care services, including a «rise in deaths» among individuals aged 65 or over or those with health conditions.
Dr Paul Coleman, consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, said: «The weather is forecast to be very cold across England over the coming few days. Low temperatures like these can have serious impacts on the health of some people, particularly older people and those with serious health conditions. Exposure to cold can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.»
A Met Office spokeswoman said: «This warning highlights the risk of disruptive snow showers and icy surfaces, particularly in northern and eastern areas, with impacts on travel and potential hazards for the public. We expect this cold spell to persist into the weekend and on into next week, with further warnings possible as temperatures remain well below average and snow showers continue in places.»
New Year's Day temperatures will reach highs of just 5C in Belfast, 7C in London, 6C in Manchester, 3C in Edinburgh, and 8C in Cardiff.
Safety advice
Travel disruption is expected, with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel anticipated. Extended journey times on roads are likely, with potential power cuts and some rural communities becoming cut off.
The public faces hazards from slips and falls on icy surfaces. Dr Coleman urged: «It is therefore really important, as the colder weather sets in, to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.»
The Met Office also advised people along eastern coasts to be aware of large waves and higher tides caused by strong winds.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
