UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Met Office has issued snow and ice warnings as a cold snap brings freezing temperatures and possible travel disruption across parts of the UK.
As reported by The Independent’s Nicole Wootton-Cane, weather forecasters say snow is expected across much of the UK in the opening days of 2026 as temperatures dip nationwide.
What has the Met Office warned about as snow and ice hit the UK?
Snowfall of up to 5cm is expected in parts of the country from midnight on 1 January, with a cold snap set to bring freezing temperatures for many. Forecasters warn icy roads and pavements could affect travel as people return home after New Year celebrations.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and icy conditions from midnight to midday on Friday, covering much of England and Wales, including major areas such as Chester, Greater Manchester, London, and Kent.
Separate yellow warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland from midnight to 10 am on Friday, while northern Scotland faces a warning from 6 am on New Year’s Day until the end of Friday.
According to forecasters, Scotland could see up to 10cm of snow as rain and showers north of Glasgow turn to snow. The cold snap is expected to move southeast across England and Wales, with blizzards lasting two to three hours in some regions.
Most regions can expect 1cm to 2cm of snow, but the higher ground in North Wales and North West England could see up to 5cm.
England and Wales will have a mostly dry New Year’s Eve with some sunny intervals, while other regions see cloudier skies and scattered showers. Cold conditions will persist, with higher ground in Scotland likely to experience wintry showers later.
Scotland will face windy conditions with rain, followed by wintry showers. Other parts of the UK will remain drier with some sunny spells. Frost and patchy fog are likely, with temperatures feeling cold.
Wind and rain will affect Scotland, with wintry showers hitting higher ground. The rest of the UK will remain mostly dry with some sunshine. Frost and localized mist may appear, keeping temperatures cold.
Cold conditions will continue with overnight frosts. Most areas will experience dry weather with some sunshine, but wintry showers are expected, especially across the north and along parts of the western and eastern coasts.
The Met Office is warning people to leave home at least five minutes earlier than usual to avoid slips and falls. It also recommends checking roads and public transport before travelling and allowing extra time for journeys.
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 stated,
“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.”
Mr Sidaway added,
“A yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for northern Scotland on new year’s day and beyond, where frequent and heavy snow showers may lead to some travel disruption.”
He continued,
“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.”
What did the UKHSA warn about the cold weather?
The UK Health Security Agency has released an amber cold health alert for the North East and North West of England until 5 January. The rest of England remains under a yellow alert during this period.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, urged people to check on neighbours, family, and friends as temperatures drop.
He said,
“As the colder weather sets in it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.”
Dr Sousa added,
“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.”
How many people have died amid the UK’s cold snap in 2025?
UK health authorities have issued widespread alerts, warning that the cold weather is likely to put pressure on health and social care services. The cold snap could raise demand for health services and endanger the elderly and people with existing conditions.
Campaign data shows that 8.3 million adults in the UK are living in cold, damp homes this winter, a situation made riskier by falling temperatures. Snow, ice, and high winds from the cold snap are creating difficult driving conditions and widespread travel disruptions.
