Snow and ice warnings across much of UK for start of 2026
A chilly new year is bringing widespread weather and health alerts
Many parts of the UK can expect freezing temperatures and widespread snowfall throughout the beginning of 2026 as Arctic air sweeps across the nation.
Weather and health warnings are in place as early as New Year’s Day, with conditions expected to cause disruptions across travel and health services in some areas.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice across various regions, starting with northern Scotland from 6am on 1st January until the end of Friday. A separate warning for Northern Ireland will be in force between midnight and 10am on 2nd January.
Between midnight and noon on 2nd January, snow and ice warnings expand to a large part of England and Wales, including Chester, Greater Manchester, London and Kent.
Areas such as North Wales and north-west England may see snow accumulations of up to 5cm, particularly on higher ground.
Widespread frosts and some snow
Mark Sidaway, Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: “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.
"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.
"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.”
The chilly conditions are also expected to impact travel across the UK, with people urged to allow extra time for journeys by road, bus and train.
Cold weather leads to amber health alerts
In response to the anticipated cold weather, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded yellow cold health alerts to amber across seven regions, including the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London.
Amber alerts are already in place in the North East and North West of England.
The amber alerts are active from 8pm on 31st December until 10am on 6th January, with the agency warning of potential “significant impacts” on health and social care services.
Older people and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable, as the cold could result in a rise in illnesses and even deaths during this period.
The warnings stress the need for people to stay informed and prepared for the colder weather. Transport Scotland and other agencies have advised checking updates for travel routes and leaving extra time during this period.