The Met Office has issued snow and ice warnings across 79 areas in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, advising the public to gather torches, batteries and phone chargers due to power cut risk
Britons have been urged to consider stockpiling vital supplies as extensive snowfall is forecast to blanket the UK.
The Met Office warns that heavy snow showers are approaching 79 regions, with some locations preparing for daytime temperatures that could feel as bitter as -12C as 2026 begins. This morning witnessed the release of numerous fresh weather alerts for snow and ice as the Arctic chill arrives.
Alerts for snow and ice commence at 6am tomorrow and continue until midnight on Sunday. The Met Office cautions that vehicles may become trapped, injuries from slippery surfaces are probable, and electricity outages pose a threat.
Remote communities might also find themselves isolated.
The alerts encompass portions of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Each recommends residents “consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack”, alongside “other essential items”, owing to the possibility of power failures.
Met Office snow warning for Scotland.
The initial alert begins at 6am on New Year’s Day and encompasses much of Scotland. Up to 30cm of snow might accumulate on elevated terrain, the Met Office states, with 10cm feasible in lower-lying regions.
Regions and local authorities affected:
Central, Tayside and Fife.
Cars driving through snow on the A169 between Pickering and Whitby on the North York Moors. Snow and ice warnings have come into force across the UK, as the Met Office said the wintry weather “could create some particularly tricky travel conditions” Picture date: Thursday November 20, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: PA)
caption: Weather warning 3rd Jan (Image: Met Office)
Grampian.
Aberdeenshire.
Highlands and Eilean Siar.
Orkney and Shetland.
Strathclyde.
Argyll and Bute.
Met Office snow warning for Northern Ireland A further alert has been issued for Northern Ireland on Friday, running from midnight through to 10am. Up to 2cm of snow may accumulate, predominantly across the northern regions following an evening of rain, sleet and hill snow on Thursday.
The alert advises: “If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.”
Areas and local councils impacted:
caption: Weather warning 2nd Jan (Image: Met Office)
Met Office snow alert for England and Wales.
A third snow and ice alert encompasses sections of England and Wales, effective from midnight through to midday on Friday. Up to 5cm may accumulate on elevated terrain across Wales and northwest England.
The downpours could persist for up to three hours, the Met Office cautions, as the snow progresses southeastwards through portions of England and Wales. Transport disruption is anticipated.
The alert encompasses London and Birmingham.
Areas and local councils impacted:
East Midlands.
East of England.
London and South East England.
North West England.
South West England.
Wales.
West Midlands.
Additional Met Office snow alert for Scotland.
On January 3, snowfall is anticipated to persist across Scotland’s northern regions as another alert takes effect, continuing until midnight on January 4. Up to 30cm remains possible across elevated areas, with 15cm feasible in lower-lying districts.
The Met Office has warned: “Given wind strengths Saturday some drifting of snow and temporary blizzard conditions are likely. Lightning will be an additional hazard near showers.”
The regions and local authorities impacted include:.
Central, Tayside and Fife.
caption: Weather warning 1st Jan (Image: Met Office)
Perth and Kinross.
Grampian.
Highlands and Eilean Siar.
Orkney and Shetland.
Strathclyde.
Argyll and Bute.
Inverclyde.
West Dunbartonshire.
