map of the UK with an area of white shaded across northern Scotland showing snow forecast up to 30cm over hills. Another shaded area from Northern Ireland, Wales, the Midlands and south-east England with 1-2cm snow forecast.

UK weather: Snow and ice forecast as Met Office issues warnings

December 31, 2025 adminsr

Overnight temperatures fell to -9.6C in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, -8.1C in Shap, Cumbria, -6.8C in Katesbridge, County Down and -6.4C in Sennybridge, Powys.

These are the lowest temperatures recorded so far this winter in all four nations of the UK.

However, lower temperatures were recorded in November which was meteorological autumn.

However, some showers will affect Northern Ireland, central and southern Scotland and the far north of England.

There’ll be a strengthening northerly wind that will make it feel cold though.

And as the clock passes midnight into 2026, we’ll start to see snow showers coming into northern Scotland.

Cold health alerts from the UKHSA have been upgraded to amber for the whole of England and will be in place until 12:00 on 6 January.

The alerts warn of a rise in deaths particularly among elderly and vulnerable people.

Other consequences of cold weather include temperatures inside hospitals and care homes dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks, and challenges for people keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C, according to the UKHSA.