UK weather mapped: Met Office warns of snow and cold into next week

Multiple yellow and amber warnings are in place across the UK for snow and ice, with the Met Office reporting significant accumulations for parts of northern Scotland and disruption to roads and rail; a UKHSA amber cold-health alert covers much of England until 9 January.

Heavy cold and wintry weather is affecting parts of the UK as the new year begins. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow and amber warnings for snow and ice, some extending into Monday. Northern Scotland has reported disruption to roads and rail, and officials have warned of a risk of power cuts and stranded vehicles. What officials report: - Six yellow warnings and several amber warnings are in place for snow and ice, with amber alerts over northern Scotland and Shetland; the Met Office reported 10–20cm of snow at lower levels and 30–40cm on higher ground in affected areas and noted winds that may cause blizzard conditions. - Snow has already led to widespread disruption to roads and rail in parts of northern Scotland, and temperatures fell to around −5.7°C at Drumnadrochit on Friday. - The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber cold-health alert covering much of England until 9 January and officials have reported an expected rise in deaths, particularly among people aged 65 and over or with existing health conditions. Summary: The warnings point to continued pressure on travel and health and social care services in the coldest areas. Snow and bitterly cold conditions are expected to persist into early next week, with some weather warnings running into Monday and the UKHSA alert remaining in place until 9 January. The Met Office forecast indicates ongoing cold conditions with widespread night frosts through the coming days.