The Met Office has escalated its weather warnings, placing 40 specific areas across the United Kingdom on alert for further snow and ice. The new yellow warning comes as Storm Goretti continues to sweep across the country, bringing a renewed threat of hazardous conditions.
Areas Affected and Warning Details
The alert, which is active from 8pm on Thursday, 8 January 2026, until 12pm on Friday, 9 January, spans large parts of Scotland and northern England. The forecaster has warned that ice is expected to form widely as temperatures plummet overnight, causing surfaces to refreeze. This will create treacherous conditions for pedestrians and drivers alike.
In addition to the icy patches, scattered wintry showers are forecast to push inland across northern England and eastern Scotland through the evening and overnight. These showers are predicted to bring further modest snow accumulations of a few centimetres, particularly inland and over higher ground.
What the Weather Warning Means
A Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice indicates that people should be prepared for potential disruption. The key hazards associated with this alert include:
- Icy patches on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths.
- Possible travel delays on roads, with longer journey times for road, bus, and train services.
- A chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.
The warning emphasises that while the snow accumulations may be modest, the combination with widespread ice significantly increases the risk. Residents in the affected regions are advised to take extra care and check local travel updates before setting out on Friday morning.
Staying Safe During the Cold Snap
With the Storm Goretti-driven conditions set to continue, authorities urge the public to stay informed via official Met Office updates. It is advisable to allow extra time for journeys, wear appropriate footwear with good grip, and be mindful of black ice, especially on less-travelled routes.
This latest alert follows a period of unsettled weather and underscores the volatile winter conditions currently impacting the UK. The Met Office continues to monitor the situation closely and will issue further updates if the warning level changes.
