The United Kingdom is set to welcome 2026 with a sharp plunge into wintry conditions, as forecasters warn of snow, ice, and potentially disruptive gale-force winds, primarily across Scotland.
Met Office Issues Dual Yellow Warnings
The Met Office has activated a yellow weather warning for snow and ice for areas of Scotland north of the central belt. This alert is in force from 6am on New Year's Day, Thursday 1 January, until midnight on Friday 2 January.
The warning encompasses the entirety of northern Scotland, specifically affecting the following regions: Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, and Strathclyde.
A separate yellow warning for wind covers the northernmost parts of Scotland, effective from 8pm on 31 December until 9am on 1 January. The forecaster indicates these areas will be battered by strong, potentially gale-force northerly winds.
Significant Snowfall and Hazardous Conditions Forecast
Substantial accumulations of snow are anticipated, with around 10cm expected to settle in some areas by Friday morning. On the highest routes and hills, this could reach depths of up to 30cm.
Mark Sidaway, Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, stated: "Arctic air and strong northerly winds will bring cold or very cold conditions to all parts of the UK... Widespread and locally severe frosts are expected, along with the first snow of the winter for many."
The Met Office also cautioned that the strong winds could lead to significant snow drifts and that lightning may be an additional hazard within the wintry showers.
Travel Disruption and Extended Cold Spell Expected
Authorities are urging the public to prepare for likely travel disruption. George Fiddes from Transport Scotland advised motorists in the warning areas to plan journeys, leave extra time, and drive to the conditions.
He added that rail, ferry, and air travel could also be affected, advising travellers to check with their operator before setting off.
Beyond Scotland, amber cold health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for the North East and North West of England. These will remain until noon on 5 January, with temperatures expected to hover between 3C and 5C.
While New Year's Eve will be largely settled for most of the UK, the cold snap is predicted to become more widespread. The Met Office indicates that this cold spell is likely to last through at least the first week of January 2026, with further warnings for snow and ice probable.
