The turn of the year is bringing a shift in weather across the UK, with the north expected to bear the brunt of Arctic conditions. A combination of snowfall, sub-zero temperatures, and strong winds is forecast to dominate the start of January, prompting alerts from both weather and health authorities.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued amber and yellow cold health alerts for multiple regions, warning of a significant risk to public health. This early-January cold spell is expected to last through at least the first week of the new year, affecting vulnerable groups and straining health and transport services.
Yellow Weather Warnings and Snow Forecasts for Scotland
A national severe weather warning has been issued by the Met Office, with heavy snow and ice expected from 6am on New Year’s Day until midnight on 2 January. The yellow alert applies to northern Scotland, where cold Arctic air and strong northerly winds are set to bring wintry hazards.
According to the Met Office, snowfall could range from 2-5cm at lower elevations, with up to 10cm possible in specific local areas. At higher altitudes above 200 metres, snow accumulation may reach between 10-20cm, and certain routes and hilltops could see more than 30cm build up during the period. The warning notes that frequent and heavy snow showers may cause travel disruption across affected regions.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway explained that these conditions mark a clear transition from the relatively settled end to 2025, stating, “It certainly looks like we are in for a taste of ‘winter’ as we welcome in the New Year.” The snowfall is expected to intensify throughout Thursday, accompanied by brisk to gale-force northerly winds, particularly across northern areas.
The unsettled weather will not be restricted to Scotland. From 1 January, more wintry showers and low temperatures are expected to affect wider parts of the UK as the colder air moves southwards. The Met Office also indicated that additional warnings for snow and ice may follow as the cold snap continues into the first week of January.
Health Alerts Raised amid Freezing Temperatures
Alongside weather warnings, the UKHSA has announced an amber cold health alert for the north-east and north-west of England, in effect until 5 January. According to the agency, temperatures are expected to fall as low as -2°C overnight in some areas, with daytime highs only reaching 4–6°C elsewhere. All other regions in England, including the Midlands, London, and the south-east, are under a yellow alert.
The amber alert indicates that the cold weather is likely to have significant impacts on the health sector, particularly among those aged over 65 and people with pre-existing medical conditions. According to Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UKHSA, the forecasted temperatures “can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections”.
The UKHSA also warned of possible challenges in maintaining indoor temperatures in hospitals and care homes, with potential staffing issues due to travel delays. It noted the likelihood of increased demand on health and social care services across all alert zones, with a rise in hospital admissions and mortality rates among vulnerable groups.
The Alzheimer’s Society echoed these concerns, highlighting the risks for individuals living with dementia. According to the charity, those affected may struggle to recognise or communicate discomfort from the cold. The organisation urged the public to check in on elderly neighbours and family members, ensuring they remain warm, nourished, and active throughout the cold spell.
