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Snow and ice expected as cold Arctic air blows in from Scandinavia

January 02, 2026

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The Guardian

Large parts of the UK will be blanketed with snow and ice as chilly Arctic air blows in a bitterly cold start to 2026.

- Josh Halliday North of England editor

Snow and ice expected as cold Arctic air blows in from Scandinavia

Snowfall is forecast for all four countries today or tomorrow, with blizzard conditions and “thundersnow” expected in the Scottish Highlands. The Met Office said up to 40cm (16in) of snow was possible on higher ground in northern Scotland, with 10cm-20cm in lower-lying areas.

Revellers saw in the new year with subzero temperatures across large parts of Britain at midnight on Wednesday, dropping to -6.2C (20.8F) in Bournemouth and -2.5C in Cardiff.

The wintry conditions are forecast to continue for several days as a result of Arctic air moving across the UK from Scandinavia.

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