Met Office warns of 'risk to life' as snow forecast for UK

The Met Office has issued a “risk to life” weather warning as snow is expected to blanket the UK, with blizzards set to hit some areas. Weather alerts in parts of Scotland have been upgraded from yellow to amber by the forecaster, while yellow warnings are in place elsewhere as people face a wintry start to 2026.

- TARA COBHAM

Up to 40cm of snow could hit some areas in Scotland, while winds could lead to temporary blizzard conditions, bringing possible travel chaos, power cuts and a “potential risk to life and property”, according to the weather service.

The upgraded warnings cover parts of the Highlands and northeast Scotland, with frequent and prolonged heavy snow showers expected between noon today and the same time tomorrow. Forecasters said some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely, as are power cuts and disruption on the roads, while some rural communities could be cut off.

Snow and ice are forecast across much of the UK for the first days of 2026, while the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of a potential surge in deaths, as it issued more severe warnings across England for the cold snap.