The Met Office has confirmed a fresh wave of wintry weather is gripping the UK, with snow expected to settle in five specific regions as a second Arctic blast looms for next week.
Weekend Weather Warning Details
Millions across Britain awoke to a blanket of white on Friday morning, but the Met Office has now issued an updated yellow weather warning for snow and ice. Contrary to earlier expectations of a quick thaw, the forecaster states that with inland temperatures likely to stay below freezing throughout the weekend, lying snow is not expected to melt in the affected zones.
The alert, which runs through the weekend and into Monday morning, warns that snow showers will continue, driven well inland by strong northerly winds. While winds may ease slightly by Sunday, the hazardous conditions are set to persist.
Expected Snow Accumulations and Hazards
The forecast outlines significant potential for further snow build-up. In low-lying areas, an additional 2 to 5 centimetres is possible, with some localised spots seeing 10 to 15 centimetres.
The most severe accumulations are predicted for higher ground. Above 200 metres, particularly in the northwest Highlands and Grampians, 15 to 30 centimetres of snow could accumulate.
The Met Office also highlights several associated dangers for Saturday. The combination of strong winds and snow may lead to drifting snow and temporary blizzard conditions. Furthermore, lightning is cited as an additional hazard near showers.
Regions Under the Met Office Alert
The yellow warning for snow and ice covers the following five regions:
- Central, Tayside and Fife
- Grampian
- Highlands and Eilean Siar
- Orkney and Shetland
- Strathclyde
The snow showers are expected to finally begin easing during Monday morning. However, the confirmation of this Arctic blast and the prospect of further disruptive snow next week means the UK's wintry start to 2026 is set to continue.
