Ice and snow expected to cause travel disruption in wintry start to 2026

Snow and ice are expected across the UK on Friday as forecasters warn of a “prolonged spell of very cold weather” to start 2026.

The most severe conditions will be seen in Scotland, where amber snow warnings are issued for midday on Friday. Yellow snow and ice warnings are already in place elsewhere.

Up to 40cm of snow could hit parts of Scotland, while the Met Office predicts as much as 5cm in areas across England and Wales.

Delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, disruption on the roads and power cuts are all expected as a result of the wintry conditions, the weather service added.

Yellow warnings for snow and ice came into force for large parts of England, Northern Ireland and Wales at midnight on Thursday, remaining until midday on Friday in England and Wales, and 10:00 GMT in Northern Ireland.

The amber warnings in Scotland are currently due to be in effect until midday on Saturday.

Areas which will likely be affected by “blizzard conditions” include, Angus, Perth and Kinross, Grampian, Aberdeenshire, Moray and parts of the Highlands.

Cold Arctic air is blowing across the UK, forcing temperatures well below average and increasing the risk of ice and snow showers.

Met Office forecaster Neil Armstrong predicts the cold spell “could last well into next week ” and “wintry hazards will continue with more weather warnings likely”.

People are being urged to plan routes carefully and to pack essentials in your car in the event of delays. Key items to bring include warm clothing, water, a blanket and ice-scraper.

With lower temperatures, amber cold health alerts from the UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cover the whole of England.

The alerts warn of a rise in deaths particularly among elderly and vulnerable people.

Other consequences of cold weather include temperatures inside hospitals and care homes dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks, and challenges for people keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C, according to the UKHSA.

Stay up to date with the latest forecast on the BBC Weather website or app as details are likely to change.