The Met Office has escalated its weather alerts, issuing a series of new warnings as the United Kingdom prepares for a significant wintry blast in the opening days of 2026. An Arctic airmass is set to bring the first widespread snow of the season, with the capital and other major population centres in the firing line.
Widespread Warnings for Snow and Ice
A yellow weather warning for snow and ice will come into force at midnight on Friday, January 2. This alert covers a substantial portion of the southeast, including London, stretches of the West Midlands, and much of Wales. In total, at least 79 locations across the UK are under snow warnings in the coming days.
Further warnings are active for Northern Ireland and northern Scotland on January 2, with additional alerts for the north of Scotland extending through Saturday, Sunday, and even New Year's Day itself. This indicates a prolonged period of disruptive winter weather is on the cards.
Arctic Air Brings 'A Taste of Winter'
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, Mark Sidaway, stated that the nation is in for a pronounced cold spell. "It certainly looks like we are in for a taste of 'winter' as we welcome in the New Year," he said. The cold conditions will initially grip the north before spreading more widely across the UK during the first week of January.
The culprit is a surge of Arctic air combined with strong northerly winds, which will deliver cold or very cold temperatures to all regions. The wind chill will make it feel especially bitter. Widespread and potentially severe frosts are expected alongside the snowfall.
Potential Disruption for Major Cities
The inclusion of London and other urban areas in the warnings signals a high likelihood of travel disruption. Icy patches on roads and pavements will pose hazards, while even modest snow accumulations can cause significant delays to road, rail, and air travel. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and travel information.
This early-January cold snap serves as a sharp reminder that winter has arrived, with the Met Office forecasting the coldest and most snowy period so far this season. The public is urged to prepare for the conditions and follow official advice.
