Winter conditions are affecting large parts of the UK as snow and ice warnings come into force across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Met Office has issued a combination of amber and yellow alerts for snow and ice, while the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has placed England under a prolonged cold health warning.
These warnings are expected to remain in place until Saturday, with travel delays, power outages and increased health risks all anticipated. Authorities are urging the public to prepare for potential disruption and to avoid unnecessary journeys.
Amber Warnings Signal Risk to Life and Infrastructure in Parts of Scotland
An amber weather warning for snow has been issued by the Met Office for several regions in northern Scotland, where conditions are likely to be most severe. The warning, which comes into effect at midday Friday and continues until Saturday, covers Angus, Perth and Kinross, Grampian, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and parts of the Highlands.
According to the Met Office, snow showers are expected to become more frequent throughout Friday, with accumulations of 10-20cm at low levels and up to 40cm on higher ground. Blizzards and drifting snow are likely to make conditions especially hazardous in rural areas.
Ch Supt Scott McCarren, Police Scotland’s head of road policing, stated: “Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during the bad weather or if it can be delayed until conditions improve.” Emergency services and local authorities have warned that vehicles could become stranded, rural communities may be temporarily cut off, and rail and air travel could face cancellations. Motorists are advised to carry essential items in their vehicles, such as warm clothing, water, a blanket and an ice scraper, in the event of delays or breakdowns.
Cold Weather Alerts Extend Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland
The UKHSA has issued amber cold health alerts for the entire territory of England, in place until 12:00 on 6 January. These warnings, which highlight increased risks to health, are aimed particularly at elderly and vulnerable populations, who may struggle to maintain adequate indoor temperatures.
According to the UKHSA, extended periods of low temperatures can lead to a rise in mortality, particularly among those with pre-existing conditions or limited access to heating. The agency also warned that temperatures inside hospitals and care homes could fall below recommended levels, and that many people may find it difficult to keep their homes at or above 18°C, the threshold used to assess health risks from cold exposure.
In addition to the health alerts, the Met Office issued yellow warnings for snow and ice across England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. These came into effect at midnight on Thursday and are set to last until midday on Friday in England and Wales, and 10:00 GMT in Northern Ireland. Areas including north Wales, north-west England, and the north-west Midlands could see up to 5cm of snow, particularly on higher ground.
Separately, a yellow ice warning was issued early Friday for Devon and Cornwall, with the Met Office reporting that overnight showers had frozen on untreated surfaces. It cautioned that slips, falls and travel disruption were likely due to icy patches on roads, pavements and cycle paths.
