Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued by the Met Office for New Year's Day 2026, affecting various parts of the UK. In northern Scotland, frequent and heavy snow showers are expected from 6 am on January 1st until midnight on January 2nd, with accumulations of up to 30cm possible on higher routes and hills. Showers will transition to snow as a strong northerly wind sets in, potentially leading to travel disruptions.
On Friday, January 2nd, a yellow warning for snow and ice covers a large portion of England and Wales, including areas from Greater Manchester down to London and Kent, from midnight until noon. The Met Office forecasts cold to very cold conditions across the entire UK due to Arctic air and strong northerly winds, with widespread and locally severe frosts expected. Snowfall is anticipated for many, marking the first snow of winter for some regions, and this cold spell is predicted to last at least through the first week of January.
In response to the cold weather, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold health alert for the north-east and north-west of England until January 5th, with yellow alerts for other English regions. The UKHSA emphasizes the importance of checking on vulnerable individuals, as the forecasted temperatures can negatively impact health, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, particularly for those over 65 and with pre-existing conditions. The agency also anticipates increased demand on health services and potential impacts on other sectors like transport and energy due to travel delays and weather-related issues.