New 90mph Gusts, 12in Snow: Storm eowyn to Usher in New Year Across North UK
Severe winter weather is set to mark the start of the new year, with heavy snow and gale force winds forecast for large parts of northern and north eastern Scotland.
The Met Office has issued a yellow “be aware” warning for snow and ice from 6am on New Year’s Day through to midnight on Friday. Forecasters say frequent and heavy snow showers are likely to disrupt travel, particularly across the Northern Isles, the Hebrides, and parts of Argyll and Bute.
At lower elevations, up to 5cm of snow could accumulate by Friday, with some areas seeing as much as 10cm. Higher ground is expected to fare worse, with 20cm possible and up to 30cm forecast for hills and high routes. Strong winds are expected to cause significant drifting, further worsening conditions.
By Friday morning, the Met Office predicts widespread snowfall of 2 to 5cm, with deeper accumulations in localised areas and on ground above 200 metres. On the highest routes, snowfall could exceed 30cm over the warning period.
Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud said the change marks a clear shift in conditions as 2026 begins.
“We’re losing the settled but chilly weather and bringing in something much more showery, with increasing wintry hazards, especially across the north of the country,” he said.
Health alerts issued across England
In England, the UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold health alerts for the North East and North West, in force until midday on 5 January. Temperatures in these regions could fall to around minus 4C, with snow forecast in parts of the North West on 3 and 4 January.
An amber alert indicates a heightened risk of illness and death, particularly among people aged 65 and over and those with existing health conditions. UKHSA warned the cold spell could place significant pressure on health and social care services.
Yellow cold health alerts are also in place for the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, the East of England, London, and the South East and South West. Elsewhere, temperatures are expected to hover between 4C and 6C from New Year’s Day.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, urged the public to look out for those most at risk.
“As colder weather sets in, it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are vulnerable,” he said. “Low temperatures increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, especially for older people and those with underlying health conditions.”
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The agency also warned that indoor temperatures in hospitals and care homes could drop below recommended levels, creating further risks. Travel disruption, staffing shortages, and knock on effects for transport and energy services are also possible.
Additional concerns for people with dementia
The Alzheimer’s Society said colder weather can be particularly challenging for people living with dementia, who may struggle to recognise when they are cold or communicate discomfort.
The charity urged people to check regularly on loved ones, friends and neighbours with dementia, ensuring they are dressed warmly, staying active, eating and drinking properly, and keeping living spaces warm. Maintaining routines, using natural daylight, and encouraging smaller, careful steps in icy conditions can also help reduce risks.
While the final days of 2025 are expected to remain relatively mild, forecasters say northern parts of the UK will bear the brunt of colder, more unsettled conditions as the new year begins, with snow, strong winds and icy conditions likely to dominate the opening days of 2026.
