The Met Office has issued a fresh alert, urging residents in eight specific areas of the UK to adjust their routines as icy conditions are forecast to cause disruption. A yellow weather warning for ice is now in force across parts of northern Scotland.
Areas Affected and Timing of the Warning
The warning, which came into effect at 7pm on Monday, 12 January 2026, will remain until 10am on Tuesday, 13 January. Forecasters state that a mix of clear skies and light winds will cause road temperatures to plummet below freezing. This combination is likely to lead to the formation of icy stretches on untreated surfaces, creating hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians alike.
The alert covers the following eight local authority areas:
- Aberdeen
- Aberdeenshire
- Angus
- Argyll and Bute
- Highland
- Moray
- Perth and Kinross
- Stirling
Official Advice for Staying Safe
The Met Office has issued clear guidance for those living in or travelling through the affected regions. The key recommendation is for people to plan to leave their homes at least five minutes earlier than usual. This simple step is designed to reduce the need to rush, thereby lowering the risk of accidents, slips, and falls on icy paths and roads.
For those making journeys on foot or by bicycle, the advice is to stick to main roads where pavements are more likely to have been treated and are less slippery. Drivers are strongly encouraged to check road conditions before setting out, while public transport users should consult bus and train timetables for any potential disruptions.
"Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy," a Met Office spokesperson said. "Not needing to rush reduces your risk. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking conditions and amending your travel plans if necessary."
Broader Weather Context and Flooding Aftermath
This ice warning comes in the wake of significant disruption caused by Storm Goretti. The aftermath of the storm has led to numerous flood warnings across the UK due to a combination of melting snow and heavy rain. In Scotland alone, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) had 16 flood warnings and 12 flood alerts active by midday on Monday.
Several major roads were affected. The A92 in Aberdeenshire and the A9 at Blair Atholl were closed due to flooding, while a landslide blocked the A815 near Cairndow in Argyll and Bute. David Morgan, SEPA's flood duty manager, warned that driving conditions remained "very difficult at times," with the greatest risk in Dumfries and Galloway and the west and north of Scotland.
Meanwhile, the UK Government confirmed that the recent severe wintry weather has triggered the Cold Weather Payments scheme. This means eligible pensioners and low-income households in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will automatically receive £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather.
Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, stated: "As temperatures plunge, cold weather payments will automatically get support directly to vulnerable households... we're ensuring pensioners get the support they need this winter."
No other weather warnings are currently in force across the rest of the UK.
