Key Takeaways
- The UK is expected to experience a cold snap with snow and ice covering large parts of the country
- Snowfall is forecast for all four countries on Friday or Saturday, with blizzard conditions and "thundersnow" expected in the Scottish Highlands
- The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for northern Scotland, with severe disruption likely
- The cold snap is expected to place further pressure on the NHS, with health leaders warning of "extraordinary pressure" on the service
- The UK’s Health Security Agency has issued amber cold health alerts for every region of England, warning of the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections
Introduction to the Cold Snap
The UK is bracing itself for a bitterly cold start to 2026, with large parts of the country expected to be blanketed with snow and ice. The Met Office has forecast snowfall for all four countries on Friday or Saturday, with blizzard conditions and "thundersnow" expected in the Scottish Highlands. The wintry conditions are a result of Arctic air moving across the UK from Scandinavia, bringing with it sub-zero temperatures and icy stretches. The cold snap is expected to continue for several days, with forecasters warning of delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, as well as power cuts and disruption on the roads.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for northern Scotland, including large parts of the Highlands and the region around Aberdeen, with severe disruption likely. Yellow warnings for snow and ice cover large parts of the Highlands, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England. The forecaster has warned of up to 40cm (16in) of snow on higher ground in northern Scotland, with 10cm-20cm in lower-lying areas. The weather is expected to be bright and frosty elsewhere, with snow showers persisting in northern Scotland. The Met Office has also warned of icy stretches, particularly in Wales and central England, where rain, sleet, and hill snow are expected to head southwards.
Impact on Travel and Daily Life
The cold snap is expected to have a significant impact on travel and daily life, with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel likely. Police Scotland’s head of road policing, Ch Supt Scott McCarren, has urged motorists to consider whether their journeys over the next few days are essential. He warned of the dangers of driving through road closures, which are put in place for public safety. The Met Office has also warned of power cuts and disruption on the roads, with some rural communities potentially becoming cut off. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays, and allow extra time for their journey.
Health Impacts and Warnings
The cold snap is expected to place further pressure on the NHS, which has already experienced an extremely busy winter. The UK’s Health Security Agency has issued amber cold health alerts for every region of England, warning of the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections. Dr Paul Coleman, a health protection consultant at the UKHSA, has warned that low temperatures can have serious impacts on the health of some people, particularly older people and those with serious health conditions. He has urged people to check in on friends, family, and neighbors who are most vulnerable to the cold weather.
Conclusion and Preparations
The cold snap is expected to have a significant impact on the UK, with wintry conditions and icy stretches affecting large parts of the country. The Met Office has warned of severe disruption, particularly in northern Scotland, where amber weather warnings are in place. The NHS is bracing itself for further pressure, with health leaders warning of "extraordinary pressure" on the service. People are advised to take precautions, including checking in on vulnerable neighbors and driving safely. The cold snap is expected to clear by early next week, when most schools are due to reopen and people return to work. However, in the meantime, it is essential to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe.