Snowfall is anticipated to cover the UK as the Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings in preparation for an expected icy spell. A snowstorm is forecasted to hit the UK in the New Year, affecting five regions with the potential for up to 11 inches (30 cm) of snow accumulation. Britons are advised to brace for travel disruptions as 2026 commences, accompanied by gusts of up to 60mph later in the week.
According to the Met Office forecast, showers will transition to snow on Thursday as a strong northerly wind develops. Snow accumulations are expected on higher routes initially, but by evening, even lower levels may see 2 to 5 cm, locally up to 10 cm, of snow by Friday morning. Elevations above 200 m could experience 10-20 cm of snow accumulation, with 30 cm or more possible on the highest routes and hills, leading to significant drifting and potential lightning hazards.
The Met Office has updated its Yellow snow and ice warning for several regions across the UK for Thursday and Friday, including Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, and Strathclyde. The warning encompasses various areas within these regions, with snow flurries expected to begin on Thursday around 6 am and persist until 11 pm on Friday.
Weather maps from Metdesk reveal that snowfall may extend as far south as Kent on Saturday night, with London also likely to experience flurries. The heaviest snow in England is projected to impact the East Midlands, particularly Lincolnshire and Leicestershire, on Saturday evening before moving eastward. Norfolk is expected to see snowfall on Sunday morning.
This morning, the Met Office cautioned about potential travel challenges and power outages, warning of possible road closures, delays or cancellations in rail and air travel, and isolated communities being cut off. The advisory also highlighted the risk of slips and falls on icy surfaces, impassable pavements and cycle paths, and the likelihood of power cuts and disruptions to services like mobile phone coverage.