Overview
- Yellow snow and ice warnings are in force for northern Scotland from New Year’s Day into Friday, with the Met Office forecasting 2–5 cm widely, 10–20 cm above 200 m and up to around 30 cm on the highest routes, plus significant drifting in gale‑force northerlies.
- Met Office deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway says Arctic air will bring a widespread turn to cold or very cold conditions in the first week of January, giving many their first snow of the winter.
- UKHSA has activated two amber cold-health alerts for the North East and North West of England until January 5, citing heightened risks for older people and those with pre‑existing conditions and urging checks on vulnerable neighbours.
- The Met Office advises travellers to plan routes and carry essentials in vehicles, including warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, an ice scraper, high-visibility gear and a phone charger, with further weather warnings possible as forecasts evolve.
- Some model projections reported by media (WX Charts) suggest a stronger Arctic blast next week with lows near −14C and heavier snow, but this scenario remains unconfirmed by official forecasts.