Key Takeaways
- A yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for parts of Scotland from January 1 to January 2
- An amber cold health alert has been issued for the north-east and north-west of England until January 5
- Temperatures are expected to fall to 3-5C (37-41F) in some areas, with 2-5cm of snow predicted by Friday morning
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of significant impacts on health and social care services, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions or aged 65 or over
- The Met Office has predicted increasingly wintry showers in the north of the country, with brisk winds and colder conditions
Introduction to the Weather Warning
Heavy snow showers are expected to hit parts of the UK, with a yellow warning for snow and ice issued by the Met Office for parts of Scotland from January 1 to January 2. The warning indicates that frequent and heavy snow showers may lead to some travel disruption, with 2-5cm of snow predicted by Friday morning. In certain local areas, 10cm of snow is expected, while some areas above 200 meters may see 10-20cm of snow. On the highest routes and hills, 30cm or more of snow may build up over the period.
Cold Health Alert
An amber cold health alert has been issued for the north-east and north-west of England, which is due to remain in place until January 5. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), warns of significant impacts on health and social care services, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions or aged 65 or over. The UKHSA has warned that the cold weather may cause a rise in deaths among vulnerable individuals, as well as an increase in demand for health services across the regions. Temperatures are expected to fall to 3-5C (37-41F) in some areas, which may lead to challenges in keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C, putting vulnerable people at greater risk.
Weather Forecast
The Met Office has predicted that the final days of 2025 will not be particularly warm, with temperatures of 7-8C. However, as 2026 arrives, the weather is expected to take a turn for the worse, with northern parts of the UK bearing the brunt of the chillier conditions. Brisk winds will bring increasingly wintry showers to the north, with the Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud warning of "more wintry hazards in the forecast, particularly for the north of the country". The UKHSA has also issued a yellow cold health alert for several regions, including the East Midlands, West Midlands, south-east, south-west, east of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London.
Impact on Vulnerable Individuals
The cold weather is expected to have a significant impact on vulnerable individuals, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions or aged 65 or over. Dr Agostinho Sousa, the head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, has warned that 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. The Alzheimer’s Society has also urged people to check in on loved ones, friends, and neighbors living with dementia, as colder temperatures can be difficult for them to adjust to. The charity has recommended that people with dementia be dressed appropriately, kept in a warm room, and encouraged to eat, drink, and move regularly to stay safe.
Precautions and Recommendations
To stay safe during the cold weather, the UKHSA and the Alzheimer’s Society have recommended several precautions. These include checking in on vulnerable individuals, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions or aged 65 or over, and ensuring they are dressed appropriately and kept in a warm room. The Alzheimer’s Society has also recommended making the most of natural daylight, sticking to a routine, and encouraging smaller, slower steps in slippery conditions to help keep people with dementia safe. Additionally, the UKHSA has warned of potential staffing issues due to external factors such as travel delays, and has urged people to be aware of the potential impacts on health and social care services. By taking these precautions and staying informed about the weather forecast, individuals can help to stay safe and protect vulnerable loved ones during the cold weather.
