Snowfall expected across large parts of UK as new weather warnings issued

Snow is expected to fall across much of the UK in a chilly start to 2026, forecasters have said.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across large parts of England and Wales between midnight and noon on January 2.

It could see some areas blanketed in snow up to 5cm deep, especially on higher ground in parts of North Wales and northwest England.

Separate yellow warnings are also in place for Northern Ireland between midnight and 10am on Friday, and in northern Scotland between 6am on New Year’s Day and the end of Friday.

The Met Office said those north of the border could see 10cm-20cm of snowfall, with 30cm possible on the highest routes and hills.

Given the strength of the wind, some significant drifting of snow is said to be “likely” and lightning “may well be an additional hazard”.

The cold snap is expected to have an impact on transport, with those heading out urged to prepare for longer journey times by road, bus and train.

The Met Office has additionally warned of injuries due to slips and falls on icy surfaces, which will develop quickly as sleet and snow clears.

The national meteorological service said: “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.”

The new snow and ice warning is in place for a large swathe of England and Wales, including Chester and Greater Manchester down to London and Kent.

It affects the East Midlands, east of England, London and southeast England, northwest England, southwest England, Wales and the West Midlands.

The Met Office said: “People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow.

“It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued more severe warnings for the start of 2026.

It had previously issued amber cold health alerts in the northeast and northwest of England.

However, yellow alerts have been upgraded to amber across the East Midlands, West Midlands, southeast, southwest, east of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London.

These warnings will be in place from 8pm on 31 December until 10am on 6 January.

The UKHSA said it means the weather is “likely” to cause significant impacts across health and social care services, including a “rise in deaths” among those with health conditions or aged 65 or over.