Overview
- A yellow warning for snow and ice is in force for northern Scotland from 6am on January 1 to 11:59pm on January 2, with frequent heavy snow showers expected.
- Forecasts indicate 2–5cm of snow at lower levels by Friday morning, locally 10cm, with 10–20cm above 200m and 30cm or more on the highest routes, alongside significant drifting in strong northerly winds.
- The UKHSA has issued an amber cold-health alert for the North East and North West of England until January 5, with yellow alerts elsewhere in England and advice to check on vulnerable people.
- Travel disruption is likely, particularly across Scottish high routes, as strong northerly winds make road, rail and air conditions hazardous.
- Colder, wintry conditions are expected to spread more widely through the first week of January, and independent model runs point to a possible larger snow event that remains uncertain and is not yet covered by additional official warnings.