Snow and Ice Set to Disrupt Travel Across the UK as Weather Warnings Expand

Travel conditions across large parts of the UK are expected to worsen as snow and ice move in, prompting a series of yellow warnings from the Met Office. Forecasters say the winter weather will affect transport routes, walking conditions and potentially lead to delays throughout Scotland, northern England and other regions.

Scattered showers of rain, sleet and snow are forecast throughout Tuesday, with the most significant impacts expected in Scotland. A snow alert remains in place for mainland Scotland north of Perth until six in the evening. The Met Office warns that lower level areas could see between two and five centimetres of snow, while higher elevations may receive up to ten centimetres.

A yellow warning for ice covers much of the central belt, southern Scotland and northern England until eleven on Wednesday morning. Forecasters say untreated surfaces are likely to become slippery, posing risks for both drivers and pedestrians.

Later on Tuesday, a wider alert for snow and ice will take effect across all of northern Scotland, including Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles. This warning is expected to remain in place until nine on Thursday night. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for challenging travel conditions and possible disruptions to public transport.

Northern Ireland is also expected to experience snow and icy patches overnight, with a separate alert issued for the region. Wales and much of the Midlands face their own ice warnings, highlighting how widespread the cold conditions will be. In England, additional snow and ice warnings apply to some eastern and western coastal areas on Wednesday and Thursday.

Health officials have reinforced the weather alerts with their own warnings. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber and yellow cold health alerts for northern England and the Midlands, which remain in effect until Saturday. These alerts are issued when extended periods of cold weather could pose risks to vulnerable people, including older adults and those with existing health conditions.

Despite the difficult midweek conditions, forecasters expect temperatures to rise slightly toward the end of the week. By the weekend, conditions should return to seasonal averages, offering some relief after several days of bitter cold and widespread disruption.

Authorities are urging the public to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys and follow updates from local councils and transport providers. Drivers are advised to carry essentials, check weather forecasts before travelling and avoid unnecessary trips during the worst of the conditions.