The UK is experiencing a significant cold snap as an Arctic air mass continues to blanket the country. Snow, sleet, and hail showers are impacting many areas, and temperatures have plummeted well below freezing. While some severe weather warnings expired on Monday, several remain in place for Tuesday, including Amber and Yellow warnings for snow and ice across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England.
Temperatures dipped as low as -10.9°C at Shap in Cumbria on Sunday night, with widespread frost reported across the country. Snow accumulation continues to affect northern regions, with the deepest lying snow recorded at 52cm in Tomintoul, Banffshire, 35cm in Durris, Kincardineshire, and 34cm at Loch Glascarnoch, Ross & Cromarty.
Snow Showers and Icy Conditions to Continue
While some inland regions will enjoy sunny spells, northern and eastern parts of the UK will continue to see snow showers through Monday. Temperatures are expected to struggle to rise above freezing, and overnight lows on Monday into Tuesday could fall below -12°C in snowy areas.
How long will the cold weather last?
Here are all the weather details for the week ahead ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/VUBvmiEQtT
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 4, 2026
Tuesday will bring further wintry showers across Wales and southwest England. A mix of rain, sleet, and snow is forecast to spread southeastwards across Scotland and Northern Ireland, later reaching parts of England and Wales. Central and northern Scotland may face additional disruptive snow from Tuesday morning until early evening.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist warned, “The UK will continue to experience a range of winter weather hazards through this week, with low temperatures as well as snow showers and the risk of ice for many. Several severe weather warnings have been issued, and these are likely to be updated through the week, so do keep up to date with the forecast.”
Strong Winds and Heavy Rain Could Add to Hazards Later in the Week
Looking further ahead, the UK may experience additional challenges from strong winds, heavy rain, and more snow. The exact track of a low-pressure system later this week remains uncertain, but it could bring heavy rain to southern regions while northern areas see more snow accumulation.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone explained: “While we’re confident an area of low pressure will move in from the west on Thursday and into Friday, the exact position of this low is uncertain. The position is important as it will determine the type of severe weather different locations may experience.
“The most likely scenario at this stage is for low pressure to track near the south coast. Near and south of the low, heavy rain and strong winds are more likely, whilst snow could accumulate to the north as it encounters cold air. As confidence increases in the track of the low pressure, so will the detail of the weather impacts, so it is important to stay up to date with the weather forecast through the week.”
Freezing Weather Shuts Schools and Disrupts Travel Across the UK
Schools across Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to stay closed tomorrow as the UK faces a second day of severe winter weather. Many woke up to icy conditions this morning, with yellow warnings for snow and ice covering large parts of the country. The cold snap has caused travel disruptions and temporary airport closures, although flights have now resumed at Liverpool, Aberdeen, Belfast, and Derry airports.
Temperatures are set to remain low overnight, with some areas in Scotland potentially dropping to around -10°C (14°F). Commuters should note that most weather warnings remain active, affecting Northern Ireland, the west of England and Wales, and the east coast of England during tomorrow morning’s rush hour.
Health and Safety Advice During Freezing Conditions
With icy conditions, snow, and plummeting temperatures, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued Amber cold weather alerts across England until Friday, 9 January.
Adam Stachura, Age Scotland’s policy director, advised: “With such cold temperatures and icy conditions ahead, try and make sure you have enough food and any important medications at home to reduce the need for unnecessary and potentially risky trips. This is particularly important if you have mobility challenges or are unsteady on your feet, by avoiding slips, falls, and the need for medical attention.
“If heating your home is a challenge, try and stay warm in the room or place you will spend most of your time by wearing layered clothing, taking warm drinks and food with some regular movement to help with circulation and keep your muscles active. And if you are out clearing paths and your driveway of snow and ice, please think about also doing so for your older neighbours to help make it easier for them to leave the house if they need to. That act of kindness will go a long way.”
Preparing for Disruption Across Transport and Daily Life
The ongoing cold wave is expected to disrupt travel, school schedules, and public services in affected regions. Commuters should anticipate icy roads and potential delays in rail and air travel, while local authorities urge residents to prepare for additional snow and freezing temperatures later in the week.
The Met Office encourages everyone to follow its WeatherReady campaign, check updated warnings regularly, and adjust daily routines to stay safe in extreme cold.
Residents can access the latest forecasts and warnings via the Met Office website, social media channels, and mobile apps for iPhone and Android, ensuring they stay informed as winter hazards continue across the UK.
