Yellow and Amber Warnings: Snow and Ice to Disrupt Travel Across the UK

The Met Office, the UK’s national meteorological service, has issued a yellow weather warning for snow for large parts of the UK from Monday morning/afternoon through to Tuesday morning. In parallel, the UK Health Security Agency has extended its previous amber cold-health alert coverage to all regions of England until 10 am on Friday, January 9.

What to Expect

The bad weather is expected to cause power outages and travel disruptions, including possible rail and air cancellations. Not all areas will be hit, but forecasters say scattered sleet and snow showers may be followed by widespread ice overnight, and this would only make getting around even slower and more hazardous.

Snowy roads. Photo: Alex Igna

Through Monday afternoon and evening, bands of wintry showers will move south, with special emphasis alongside western coasts. Some showers may push further inland, where they could bring bursts of snow, sleet, and hail. While snow accumulation will be limited in many places, residents of west Wales, including Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion, could deal with between 5 and 10 centimeters, while hail showers could leave roads and pavements slippery.

Bad weather warning. Photo: Alex Igna

By Monday night, the snow showers are expected to ease, which may, in turn, make conditions even more dangerous, with temperatures dipping below freezing and ice expected to form more widely on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths. This could translate to longer journey times on roads and railways, with an increased risk of slips and falls.

Regions affected:

- Central, Tayside & Fife

- Grampian

- Highlands & Eilean Siar

- Orkney & Shetland

- Strathclyde

- East Midlands

- East of England

- North East England

- SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

- Yorkshire & Humber

- South West England

- Wales

Transport authorities advise travelers to plan ahead, encouraging drivers to check road conditions and allow extra time, and bus and train riders to keep an eye on timetable delays. 

Tips for driving in the snow. Photo: Alex Igna

Tips for Driving in Snow 

- Check your tyres, wipers, and screen wash before hitting the road. 

- Leave a few minutes eary to lower the risk of accidents due to unnecessary rushing.

- Carry warm clothing, food and water supplies, a blanket, a torch, an ice scraper, and a fully charged phone or powerbank. 

- Wear footwear with a good grip and avoiding untreated routes can help reduce the risk of injury.

- Stay informed by checking local forecasts and adjusting your plans as necessary.