Met Office Weather Warnings Issued for Snow Across the UK

A sudden snap of Arctic air has swept across the UK, leading the Met Office to roll out a complex network of snow and ice warnings. From the rugged Highlands to the South West, this is a story of winter’s unpredictability and its impact on daily life.

Frigid Start to the Year with Widespread Snow and Ice Alerts

As January commenced, the Met Office applied Yellow snow and ice warnings across large parts of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The outlook painted by Sky News highlights up to 5 cm of snow on higher ground in North Wales and northwest England on New Year’s Day into January 2. The accompanying ice warnings raised concerns for travel delays and hazardous conditions . Complementing this, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) elevated many regions to Amber cold health alerts, warning of heightened risks such as heart attacks or strokes among the elderly .

At Scotland’s Tomintoul in Banffshire, snow depths reached 52 cm by January 5, accompanied by frigid overnight lows—-10.9 °C at Shap in Cumbria . Meanwhile, Amber snow warnings in northern Scotland forecast another 20–30 cm accumulation by Monday morning . The dramatic visuals of whiteout conditions and schools shutting across parts of the country made headlines in both The Guardian and AP News .

A Multi-Hazard Event: Storm Goretti Strikes

Barely recovering, the UK weather braced for Storm Goretti—a fast-developing “weather bomb” named in coordination with France’s Météo-France . A Red wind warning was issued for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, where gusts near 100 mph slammed coastal areas . At the same time, Amber snow warnings covered Wales, the Midlands, and South Yorkshire, with snow totals foreseen to hit around 30 cm in high ground areas .

The storm’s direct consequences were stark: downed power lines, thousands left without electricity, school closures, and flight disruptions—Birmingham and East Midlands airports even paused operations .

Met Office’s Chris Bulmer described Thursday night’s clash between Storm Goretti and the lingering Arctic air as a “multi-hazard event,” blending snow, rain, and strong winds—an unpredictable mix warranting layered warnings .

Ongoing Cold Snap, Thunder of Warnings, and Hill Snow Continued

Even after Storm Goretti receded, the UK remained under the grip of cold air and volatile weather through mid-January. Amber warnings persisted in parts of Scotland, while Yellow warnings covered broader areas of the UK . Temperatures plunged further, with -12.5 °C recorded at Marham in Norfolk, marking the coldest night of the winter so far . Additional snow accumulations were reported: 35 cm at Durris and 34 cm at Loch Glascarnoch, emphasizing the intensity of this cold spell .

As the week progressed, the Met Office warned of fresh snow and ice threats, particularly in northern Scotland and eastern England . Transport officials like George Fiddes of Transport Scotland stressed the need for caution and planning, urging motorists to anticipate delays and to keep track of disruptions across all modes of travel .

Unsettled and Wet: Rain, Wind, and Snow on the Hills

Toward late January, low-pressure systems resumed their grip, bringing rain, strong winds, and hill snow—especially in northern regions . Chief Forecaster Dan Holley commented on the south-shifted jet stream funneling successive systems toward the UK, compounding existing flood risks on already saturated ground . West and southwest England remained under Yellow rain warnings, while hill snow continued as a hazard in More remote locales .

Expert Insight

“A deepening area of low pressure—Storm Goretti—clashing with very cold Arctic air makes Thursday night a ‘multi-hazard’ event; snow, wind and rain together present serious disruption.”
— Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer

This stark assessment underscores the layered nature of winter hazards—where one weather event compounds the effects of another, creating cumulative impacts.

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Conclusion

Over the course of January 2026, the UK endured a formidable wintry episode, starting with crisp snow and ice warnings, escalating to the ferocity of Storm Goretti, and segueing into ongoing cold, hill snow, and unsettled rain. These sequential threats underscore the value of multi-tiered warning systems and clear communication, which help the public remain prepared—even amid unpredictable transitions and amplified challenges.

Strategic recommendations: keep a weather app at hand, plan travel with extra time in winter conditions, check on vulnerable neighbors, and follow Met Office and UKHSA advisories.

FAQs

What areas were affected by snow warnings in early January?

Snow warnings first hit northern Scotland and extended to parts of Northern Ireland, Wales, and central and southern England with Yellow alerts; by Jan 4–5, Amber alerts concentrated in northern Scotland for potential heavy accumulations .

How severe was Storm Goretti?

Storm Goretti brought Red wind warnings to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with gusts near 100 mph, and Amber snow warnings in Wales, the Midlands, and South Yorkshire, with up to 30 cm expected on high ground .

How did the cold snap impact health and transport?

The UKHSA issued Amber health alerts for cold-related risks (like heart attacks/strokes) especially among elderly, while travel disruption included delays, school closures, and canceled flights due to snow and ice .

Did the snowy and icy conditions ease afterward?

No; following Storm Goretti the cold persisted, with additional snow and ice alerts across the UK and record low temperatures like -12.5 °C at Marham. Hill snow continued into mid-January along with freezing conditions .

What weather pattern followed later in January?

Toward the end of January, unsettled conditions brought rain, brisk winds, and hill snow, especially in northern UK areas. Yellow rain warnings were in effect in the southwest and other parts .

What should people do during such multi-faceted winter threats?

Monitor official sources like the Met Office, allow extra travel time, check on vulnerable individuals, stock warm supplies, and stay alert to evolving warnings—especially when multiple hazards arise simultaneously.