Snow and ice warnings intensify as schools prepare to reopen

Millions returning to work and school after the Christmas break are facing disruption as fresh snow and ice warnings take effect across the UK, bringing hazardous travel conditions, transport delays and further school closures.

Four amber warnings for heavy snow remain in force across northern Scotland until Monday morning, while yellow snow and ice warnings cover all of Northern Ireland, Wales and large parts of England. Forecasters say high ground in Scotland could see up to 30cm of snow overnight, with rural communities at risk of becoming cut off.

Schools in the Shetland Islands will remain closed on Monday, while schools in Aberdeen will open later than usual, starting at 11am. In parts of Aberdeenshire, Orkney and Shetland, pupils’ return has been delayed entirely.

Flights from Inverness and Aberdeen airports were cancelled on Sunday by Loganair, with passengers offered the option to rebook without charge.

Transport Scotland urged motorists to plan carefully, allow extra time and drive according to conditions. Police Scotland assistant chief constable Alan Waddell warned that driving conditions could be dangerous in some areas.

“The forecast heavy snow showers and ice mean driving conditions are likely to be hazardous,” he said. “Our advice is to plan ahead and consider whether your journey is really necessary during the warning period.”

Scotland’s transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said the start of the working week would be challenging for many.

“We’ve already seen freezing temperatures and difficult conditions, with more snow and ice on the way,” she said. “If you must travel, make sure your vehicle is winter ready and carry a winter kit.” She also thanked gritter drivers, police and emergency crews who have been working throughout the weekend.

Heavy snow and drifting in the north

Met Office amber warnings for snow are in place across Shetland, Orkney and parts of northern mainland Scotland from Sunday evening until Monday morning. In Moray, more than 40cm of snow has already been recorded.

Strong winds have led to significant drifting, with Network Rail Scotland reporting drifts up to 1.2m on the rail line between Aberdeen and Dundee. Further rail and road closures are possible, alongside the risk of power cuts and disruption to mobile phone coverage.

As snow showers intensify overnight, forecasters warn of a further 20 to 30cm falling in some northern areas.

Widespread yellow warnings elsewhere

Yellow snow and ice warnings stretch across Wales, the Midlands, south west England and parts of Northern Ireland until Monday morning. The Met Office has cautioned that journey times by road and rail may be longer than usual during the Monday and Tuesday morning rush hours, with an increased risk of slips and falls on pavements and cycle routes.

While daytime conditions may be bright for many, light snow flurries are still expected in the far north of Scotland, west Wales and parts of eastern England.

Bitter cold persists

Clear skies over the weekend brought the coldest night of the winter so far in parts of England and Wales. Temperatures fell to minus 9.3C in Oxfordshire and minus 7.3C in Powys, with rural areas of Scotland and Wales expected to dip to minus 10C or lower overnight.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold weather health alerts across England until Tuesday, warning that prolonged low temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly among older people and those with existing health conditions.

Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the agency, urged people to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives.

Read More: Travel warnings as snow and 60mph Winds disrupt northern Scotland

In Plymouth, four city centre churches have opened overnight to provide warmth, hot drinks and support for people sleeping rough.

What happens next

Forecasters say temperatures will gradually lift later in the week as milder air attempts to move eastwards, although this could bring a mix of rain, sleet or further snow depending on local conditions. Strong winds and heavy rain are also possible if a deep area of low pressure moves across the UK.

Matthew Lehnert, a Met Office chief meteorologist, said the key challenge would be pinpointing where rain turns to snow as weather fronts push in.

“Cold air will hold on across the northern half of the UK,” he said. “Bands of snow of varying intensity could still cause disruption before conditions eventually begin to ease.”

Cold weather health alerts remain in place across England until later this week, with authorities urging people to stay informed, plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.