The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings for snow and ice across the country, with conditions likely to impact travel, health, and daily routines as many return to work and school after the festive break.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold health alert for England, in effect until Tuesday, warning of increased health risks tied to the low temperatures.
UK weather this week sees freezing temperatures expected
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “The forecast temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
In Scotland, amber and yellow warnings for snow and ice remain in place, covering much of the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides.
The Met Office has forecast “heavy snow” and warned of the potential for communities to become cut off.
As much as 20cm to 30cm of additional snowfall could accumulate on higher ground by Monday morning, raising the risk of rural isolation and travel delays.
Matthew Lehnert, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Elsewhere in the UK, snow showers, ice and frost are expected at times but milder air will make attempts to spread eastward from Tuesday.
“This will mean rain becomes more likely in the south, but there is also the possibility of more organised snow along the boundary of the mild and cold airmasses.
“Strong winds could also be a feature later in the week.”
Sunday was another very cold day across the UK with snow showers for some ❄️
Here are the extremes 👇 pic.twitter.com/D8WALJYQLM
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 5, 2026
Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said residents had already dealt with “challenging conditions and freezing temperatures, with more snow and ice on the way for the same areas”.
She said: “Of course, for many, Monday marks a return to work from the festive break.
“If you have to travel, then please ensure your vehicle is winter-ready and have a winter kit in your car.
“Follow Police Scotland travel advice. If you can delay your journey until the amber warning has expired, please do so.”
The impact has already led to school closures and delayed openings.
Transport services are also affected, with ScotRail warning of disruption on routes around Aberdeen and Inverness.
George Fiddes of Transport Scotland offered advice for road users in affected areas.
He said: “Particularly cold weather is expected this week, which is likely to impact driving conditions in the areas covered by the yellow warning, so our advice to motorists is to plan your journey, leave extra time if needed and drive to the conditions.”
The Met Office warned that people living in the regions covered by the amber weather warning could expect travel disruption, and that rural communities could become cut off.
It also said flights could be cancelled and that mobile phone coverage may also be impacted in some areas.
Where in the UK are there Met Office weather warnings?
Snow and Ice weather warnings from the Met Office are in place for much of the UK today, January 5, and tomorrow.
In the South West, a yellow warning is in place, covering Cornwall, Truro, Plymouth and surrounding areas, until tomorrow at 11am.
For other areas in the South West, such as Bath and Exeter, a warning is in place until midday today.
The entirety of Wales is covered by a yellow warning, with the western side of the country facing snow and ice until tomorrow at 11am.
Recommended reading:
Areas such as Oxford, Cambridge and Gloucester are also affected by weather warnings today, as well as Birmingham, Peterborough, Nottingham, Stoke and Manchester.
A yellow warning of snow and ice is in place along the eastern part of the country until tomorrow at 11am, covering from Norwich up to Newcastle and into Scotland.
Much of Scotland has a yellow warning in place until the end of today, with an amber warning for snow in place for Angus, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands.
