UK weather: Snow warnings upgraded to amber for some areas in wintry start to 2026

The Met Office has upgraded snow weather warnings from yellow to amber in parts of Scotland, covering Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Highlands. The amber warning runs from midday Friday 2 January 2026 to midday Saturday. Forecasters predict 10-20cm of snow at low levels and 30-40cm on high ground, with potential blizzard conditions from strong winds. Yellow warnings remain in place for areas including London, Greater Manchester, and Cardiff. Traffic Scotland reported closures of snow gates on A93 Braemar-Glenshee, A939 Tomintoul-Cockbridge, B974 Cairn O'Mount-Fettercairn, and Bealach na Ba roads. Police Scotland advised against non-essential travel, warning of likely delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, power cuts, and road disruption. The UK Health Security Agency issued amber cold health alerts across multiple English regions until 6 January, warning of significant impacts on health services and increased mortality risk for vulnerable populations.