The Met Office has issued a “risk to life” warning as blizzards are set to hit parts of the UK, which comes as snow falls in some areas.
The Met Office has issued a an amber weather warning for Scotland and the rest of the UK has a yellow weather warning as Britain faces a cold start to 2026.
Blizzard conditions could bring up to 40cm of snow in some areas of Scotland risking power cuts and a possible travel chaos with the “potential risk to life and property.”
A Met Office spokeswoman said, “This warning highlights the risk of disruptive snow showers and icy surfaces, particularly in northern and eastern areas, with impacts on travel and potential hazards for the public.
“We expect this cold spell to persist into the weekend and on into next week, with further warnings possible as temperatures remain well below average and snow showers continue in places.”
Dr Paul Coleman, consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, said, “The weather is forecast to be very cold across England over the coming few days.
“Low temperatures like these can have serious impacts on the health of some people, particularly older people and those with serious health conditions. Exposure to cold can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
“It is therefore really important, as the colder weather sets in, to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.”
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.”
