Travel disruption expected as snow and ice tighten grip across the UK
Widespread travel disruption is expected across the UK as snow, ice and plunging temperatures prompt a series of weather and health warnings heading into the weekend.
The Met Office has issued amber severe weather warnings for snow in parts of Scotland, alongside multiple yellow warnings for snow and ice affecting England, Wales and Northern Ireland. While the harshest conditions are forecast north of the border, forecasters say all four nations are likely to feel the impact.
At the same time, the UK Health Security Agency has placed the whole of England under amber cold health alerts, warning of heightened risks to elderly and vulnerable people as temperatures fall.
Scotland faces the worst conditions
An amber warning for snow comes into force across parts of Scotland from midday on Friday and remains in place until midday on Saturday. The areas affected include Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Grampian and parts of the Highlands.
Snow showers are expected to intensify through Friday, with 10 to 20cm likely at low levels and as much as 30 to 40cm possible on higher ground. Strong winds could lead to drifting snow and temporary blizzard conditions.
The Met Office warned that the conditions could strand vehicles, cut off rural communities and lead to cancellations and delays on rail and air services. Power cuts and difficult driving conditions are also possible.
Police Scotland urged people to reconsider non essential journeys. Ch Supt Scott McCarren, head of road policing at Police Scotland, said motorists should plan ahead and delay travel where possible until conditions improve.
Weather warnings were already in force on New Year’s Day in northern Scotland, where up to 10cm of snow may have accumulated by Friday morning, with up to 20cm possible above 200 metres. These warnings remain active until midnight on Friday and will extend further south over the weekend, reaching Perth and parts of Argyll and Bute until midnight on Sunday.
Snow and ice warnings elsewhere
Yellow warnings for snow and ice came into effect at midnight on Thursday across large parts of England and Wales, stretching from the north west and north Wales down through the Midlands to London and Kent. These remain in place until midday on Friday.
Northern Ireland is also under a yellow warning for snow and ice from midnight until 10am on Friday.
Read More: Scotland ushers in 2026 under snow and wind warnings
Forecasters say up to 5cm of snow could fall in some areas, particularly on higher ground in north Wales, north west England and the north west Midlands.
The Met Office advised drivers to plan routes carefully and pack essentials such as warm clothing, water, blankets and an ice scraper in case of delays.
Health alerts upgraded across England
The UK Health Security Agency has upgraded cold health alerts to amber across all regions of England, including the East and West Midlands, the South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. The alerts are due to remain in place until 10am on 6 January.
The agency warned the cold snap is likely to place significant strain on health and social care services and could lead to a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 or over and people with underlying health conditions.
It also cautioned that indoor temperatures in hospitals and care homes could fall below recommended levels, while many households may struggle to keep homes at the advised minimum of 18C.
With a wintry start to 2026 unfolding, authorities are urging people to look out for neighbours, check on vulnerable relatives and stay informed as conditions evolve.
