Bitterly cold start to year to continue as heavy snow falls in some areas

Scotland’s bitterly cold start to the year is to continue this weekend, with heavy snow already forcing widespread disruption to rail services and travel across the country.

Amber snow warnings covering northern Scotland and Shetland expired at noon on Saturday, but several yellow weather warnings for snow and ice remain in place into Monday.

The Met Office said areas affected by the amber alerts could see 10–20cm of snow at lower levels and up to 30–40cm on higher ground, with strong winds increasing the risk of blizzard conditions.

Snowfall has already caused significant disruption to roads and railways, particularly in northern parts of Scotland. Train operators have warned of cancellations and delays on a number of routes due to heavy snow, ice and difficult conditions, with passengers urged to check journeys before travelling.

The Met Office has also warned of potential power cuts, communities being cut off, and vehicles becoming stranded as the wintry conditions persist.

While other parts of the UK also saw snow on Friday, forecasters say Scotland is likely to experience some of the most severe impacts. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain in the low single figures on Saturday, falling below freezing in parts of northern Scotland.

Met Office chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: “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 #WeatherAware, keep up to date with the forecasts and plan ahead as icy roads and slippery surfaces are likely.”

Elsewhere in the UK, yellow warnings are in place for parts of Northern Ireland until 3pm on Monday, with up to 8cm of snow possible along parts of England’s North Sea coast by Saturday night. By Monday, parts of Northern Ireland and Wales could see accumulations of 5–10cm and 5–8cm respectively.

The British Heart Foundation warned that cold weather poses particular risks for people with heart conditions, with thousands of additional deaths from heart and circulatory disease recorded each winter in the UK.

Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and people with cardiovascular disease are also more at risk of serious illness if they get seasonal respiratory infections like flu.

“It’s especially important that people living with heart conditions are well prepared for the cold snap this winter by wrapping up warm and having their free flu jab.”

Passengers in Scotland are being urged to allow extra time for journeys, check train services before travelling, and follow the latest weather advice as the cold snap continues.