Freezing temperatures in the ‘double minus figures’ are forecast by the Met Office as cold Arctic air brings icy conditions and heavy snow showers to begin the new year
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas News Reporter
13:28, 02 Jan 2026
Snow has already fallen in many parts of the country today(Image: PA)
Met Office forecasters have warned that “heavy snow showers” will batter Britain today as the nation plunges into a lengthy -10C cold snap.
The new year has begun with chilly subzero temperatures and a markedly colder feel for most of the country, with the first flurries falling last night and a wave of weather warnings issued for the next four days.
These snow and ice warnings – which apply to all four nations of the United Kingdom include two amber ‘act now’ alerts in force today – are set to last until midday on Monday, with chilly temperatures now expected to stick around for most of next week.
Cold air blowing in from the Arctic is to blame for the sudden cold turn, Met Office forecasters say, bringing an extended spell of colder weather that will see conditions struggle to get above freezing in many areas, even during the day.
Weather map for Monday 5 January(Image: WXCHARTS)
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Hicks, told the Mirror : “Arctic air and brisk northerly winds are gripping the UK as we start the New Year.
“Snow and ice warnings remain in force for many areas, with the risk of heavy snow showers, especially across northern Scotland and over higher ground elsewhere, though many inland areas will stay largely sunny and clear.
“Bitterly cold conditions will persist through the weekend and into next week, with daytime temperatures struggling to rise above freezing for some, and overnight lows dipping to minus double figures in places.
“We urge people to stay weather aware, keep up to date with the forecasts and plan ahead as icy roads and slippery surfaces are likely.”
Met Office weather warnings are in place across the UK today(Image: Met Office)
A weather radar map from WXCharts shows the mercury dropping to a biting -10C in parts of Scotland on Monday evening, while conditions will be below freezing across the country, including the south of England.
Snow is meanwhile expected to settle on the ground in northern and some central areas over the next 48 hours – with widespread ice also increasing the risk of travel disruption through the weekend and into next week.
More snow will settle in northern and central areas while cold weather is expected across the country(Image: PA)
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for England until January 6, as weather-related illnesses and injuries are expected to add to already mounting winter pressures on the NHS.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “As the colder weather sets in it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
“The forecast temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”