UK Upgrades Snow Warnings to Amber Amid Wintry Year Start

Forecasters in the UK have issued upgraded weather warnings, indicating a major winter event for early January 2026. The Met Office announced amber snow warnings, particularly affecting parts of Scotland, as the country experiences a significant wintry start to the year.

Amber and Yellow Snow Warnings Issued

Amber warnings for heavy snow showers are in effect from midday on Friday to midday on Saturday. The areas particularly affected include:

• Angus
• Perth and Kinross
• Aberdeen
• Aberdeenshire
• Moray
• The Highlands

Forecasts suggest that low-level areas could receive 10 to 20 cm of snow, while higher altitudes may see accumulations of 30 to 40 cm. Strong winds may lead to temporary blizzard conditions, raising concerns about travel disruptions.

Travel Disruptions and Health Risks

The Met Office warned that travel delays and cancellations affecting rail and air services are likely. Power outages and difficult road conditions are also anticipated, putting rural communities at risk of being cut off.

Yellow weather alerts for snow and ice are active across various regions, including London, Greater Manchester, and Cardiff. Northern Ireland is facing similar yellow warnings, valid between midnight and 10 AM on Friday.

Snow Accumulation and Previous Warnings

Warnings for snow were already active in Scotland on New Year’s Day. By Friday morning, the Met Office reported that up to 10 cm of snow could accumulate in northern areas, with totals reaching up to 20 cm above 200 meters in elevation. These warnings remain in effect until midnight on Friday.

Extended Warnings Over the Weekend

Weather alerts will extend southward over the weekend, covering regions down to Perth and southern areas of Argyll and Bute until midnight on Sunday.

Cold Health Alerts Issued

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has responded to the severe weather by issuing cold weather alerts. Health warnings have been upgraded to amber across several regions, including:

• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• South East
• South West
• East of England
• Yorkshire and the Humber
• London

These alerts are effective until 10 AM on January 6. The UKHSA cautions that the severe weather is likely to have significant impacts on health and social care services, particularly affecting the elderly and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.