UK Braces for Snow and Ice Ahead of Monday’s Return to Work
Met Office issues widespread weather warnings as Arctic air brings snow, ice, travel disruption and school closures across the country
Across the United Kingdom, forecasters have issued fresh snow and ice warnings ahead of Monday’s return to work and school after the holiday break, with wintry conditions expected to cause significant disruption.
The Met Office has placed large swathes of the country under yellow weather alerts for snow and ice, while parts of northern Scotland are under amber warnings as heavy snow and freezing conditions persist into the start of the week.
The bitter cold snap has driven temperatures below freezing in many areas, with snow accumulations ranging up to 30–40 centimetres on higher ground and hazardous ice forming on untreated roads and pavements.
In Scotland, the amber warnings are concentrated over the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Shetland and Orkney, with local authorities warning that rural communities could become isolated and transport services disrupted by snowdrifts and icy surfaces.
Across parts of Wales, northern England and Northern Ireland, yellow alerts signal the risk of travel delays on major roads and rail lines as commuters prepare for their first full working week of 2026. Temperatures are expected to remain stubbornly low, and strong northerly winds may produce blizzard-like conditions in exposed areas.
Local officials have urged residents to take precautions, equipping vehicles with winter supplies, allowing extra travel time and checking local advisories before setting out.
Road and rail operators are mobilising snowploughs and gritters to keep key routes passable, but authorities stress that conditions could deteriorate rapidly.
Some schools in northern Scotland are already confirmed closed, and others may delay openings as the weather system lingers.
Health agencies have also warned that the prolonged cold can pose added risks to vulnerable populations, especially older people and those with pre-existing conditions, extending existing amber cold-health alerts into the early part of the week.
Forecasters emphasise that while the most disruptive weather is anticipated in northern regions, snow and icy patches are likely across much of the UK, including central England and Wales.
As commuters and students prepare for a return to routine, officials are advising the public to stay informed with the latest warnings and to adjust travel plans as necessary to ensure safety during the wintry conditions.
The Met Office has placed large swathes of the country under yellow weather alerts for snow and ice, while parts of northern Scotland are under amber warnings as heavy snow and freezing conditions persist into the start of the week.
The bitter cold snap has driven temperatures below freezing in many areas, with snow accumulations ranging up to 30–40 centimetres on higher ground and hazardous ice forming on untreated roads and pavements.
In Scotland, the amber warnings are concentrated over the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Shetland and Orkney, with local authorities warning that rural communities could become isolated and transport services disrupted by snowdrifts and icy surfaces.
Across parts of Wales, northern England and Northern Ireland, yellow alerts signal the risk of travel delays on major roads and rail lines as commuters prepare for their first full working week of 2026. Temperatures are expected to remain stubbornly low, and strong northerly winds may produce blizzard-like conditions in exposed areas.
Local officials have urged residents to take precautions, equipping vehicles with winter supplies, allowing extra travel time and checking local advisories before setting out.
Road and rail operators are mobilising snowploughs and gritters to keep key routes passable, but authorities stress that conditions could deteriorate rapidly.
Some schools in northern Scotland are already confirmed closed, and others may delay openings as the weather system lingers.
Health agencies have also warned that the prolonged cold can pose added risks to vulnerable populations, especially older people and those with pre-existing conditions, extending existing amber cold-health alerts into the early part of the week.
Forecasters emphasise that while the most disruptive weather is anticipated in northern regions, snow and icy patches are likely across much of the UK, including central England and Wales.
As commuters and students prepare for a return to routine, officials are advising the public to stay informed with the latest warnings and to adjust travel plans as necessary to ensure safety during the wintry conditions.
