Overview
- Amber snow warnings for northern Scotland and Shetland signal 10–20 cm at lower levels and 30–40 cm on higher ground, with blizzard conditions possible and disruption already affecting roads and rail.
- A widespread yellow warning runs from 3pm Sunday to noon Monday across Wales, northwest England, the West Midlands and Northern Ireland, with 1–3 cm of snow likely widely and 5–8 cm in some higher or inland spots.
- The Met Office has expanded coverage to include all of Greater Manchester along with Cheshire, Merseyside and most of Lancashire, increasing the risk of Monday morning travel disruption.
- The UK Health Security Agency’s amber alert for England lasts until around January 9–10, with officials warning of increased health risks and pressure on care services; the British Heart Foundation highlights cardiovascular dangers in cold conditions.
- Forecasters expect bitterly cold days and sub‑zero nights to persist into next week, and advise checking travel plans, preparing for icy surfaces and being aware of potential power cuts and isolated communities in the worst‑hit areas.