Snow and ice warnings issued for parts of UK

Live Reporting

Edited by Jenna Moon

  1. Where does it snow the least in the UK?

    Truro, Cornwall, where snow covers roofs of houses and the church in January 2014PA Media

    Truro in Cornwall saw some snow at the start of last year despite the county receiving the least snowfall annually

    Just as snow is more likely to fall in some parts of the UK - such as in the north, like the Cairngorms - it is also less likely to occur in other places, such as the south-west.

    This means that Cornwall holds the title of being the least snowy part of the UK, with about seven days of sleet or snow each year.

    But, even within the county, snowfall can vary widely.

    For instance, upland areas - such as Bodmin Moor - will see more frequent snow than relatively mild coastal areas like the Isles of Scilly.

    However, even the Cornish archipelago saw snow when the so-called "Beast from the East" storm blew in during early 2018.

  2. How to clear snow and ice

    A car drives through snow in Balerno, Edinburgh. Nearby houses to the left of the frame are covered in snow as are the cars parked to the side of the roadPA Media

    While councils have responsibility for gritting in icy and snowy weather, residents can also clear away snow and ice from pavements in their local area.

    The Department for Transport has some useful guidance:

    • Do it early in the day - it’s easier to move fresh, loose snow
    • Don’t use water - it might refreeze and turn to black ice
    • Use salt if possible - it will melt the ice or snow and stop it from refreezing overnight
    • You can use ash and sand if you don’t have enough salt as it will provide grip underfoot
    • Pay extra attention when clearing steps and steep pathways - using more salt may help

    You can also find out which roads and pavements your council is responsible for by entering your postcode.

  3. It's not just dogs enjoying the snow

    BBC Weather Watchers have been sending us their wintry snaps from across the UK today.

    We've just about exhausted the dog action shots, so (for balance) here's a selection featuring a few more of our four-legged friends out in the snow:

    A highland cow in Inverness, Scotland standing in a snowy field next to an wood and metal watering holeBBC Weather Watchers/Tattie-Bogle
    Two white woollen sheep in a snowy field the Shetland Islands illuminated by the late morning sunBBC Weather Watchers/Jeannie
    Horses in Lyndhurst, Hampshire munch on snow covered grass in a field. Some leafless trees are visible to the right of the frame, what appears to be a sun-kissed village is visible in the far distance at the centre of the shotBBC Weather Watchers/Hang Ross

  4. Why is it so hard to correctly forecast snow in the UK?

    Chris Fawkes
    BBC Weather

    A woman in winter wear with a bright yellow woollen hat drags a child in winter jacket and light brown hat across a snowy park in a red sledge. A body of water with snowy banks and tree trunks are in the backgroundPA Media

    Many of us have experienced the disappointment of putting sledges away after predictions of snowfall ended up to be just more rain.

    But it turns out that we should probably cut the weather experts some slack, as it is notoriously difficult to forecast snow accurately in the UK.

    This is because of the UK's position as an island nation, where it is influenced by mild Atlantic air.

    This means that during colder weather, even marginal changes in temperature can be the difference between rain or snow.

    The chance of snowfall can also be influenced by features such as a change in elevation across an area or city, which can have a bearing on where snow is likely to settle.

  5. Four top tips for safe winter driving

    Vehicles drive on the A9 in Inverness, as snow, rain and wind warnings are in force before New Year's EvePA Media

    As National Highways warns drivers to take extra care if travelling this weekend because of the inclement weather forecast, here's some agency-endorsed tips to stay safe on the roads:

    • Keep your distance - you might need up to 10 times the normal gap behind the car in front
    • Accelerate gently - there's no need for high revs, and taking off in second gear can sometimes help avoid skidding
    • Be wary in freezing rain - in these conditions it's best to reduce speed, increase distance between vehicles, and watch out for slippery black ice
    • Look out for gritters - they'll be out spreading salt or using snow ploughs, so only overtake if it's safe

  6. Will it snow near me? Download the BBC Weather app to find out

    With amber warnings for snow and ice in place across England and Wales this weekend, it's worth double checking how the weather might affect your plans.

    To find out the forecast for your area, you can download the BBC Weather app: on Apple, Android, or Amazon.

    On the BBC's app, you'll be able to find an hourly breakdown and 14-day lookahead to keep you up to date with the freezing conditions.

    • The BBC Weather app is only available to download in the UK.

  7. Take extra care if travelling over the weekend - National Highways

    Parked cars covered in thin layer of snow. Bottom part of a row of terraced houses visible from the top right to the top left of the imageGetty Images

    National Highways is "strongly" advising people that travel is "likely to be extended or even disrupted".

    The government agency tasked with operating England's motorways says snowfall over the weekend will, in some places, turn into rain and potentially lead to ice in some areas.

    Regions of high ground - such as the Cotswolds and the Peak District are at more risk of this, it adds.

    National Highways says road users should plan ahead and check the Met Office's latest weather updates, and for traffic information from Traffic England, before setting off.

    It also advises people to delay journeys if possible and to take extra care if travelling during the time period.

  8. Airline offers passengers chance to change tickets free of charge

    Loganair aircraft taking off. The tail of the plane is decorated in tartan with the left engine shell painted red. The top of a white bridge is visible to the bottom centre of the photoGetty Images

    Loganair is offering passengers who are due to fly to and from some UK-based airports on Saturday and Sunday the opportunity to change their travel plans without charge.

    The airports affected are Isle of Man (IOM), Newcastle (NCL), Manchester (MAN), Liverpool (LPL), Birmingham (BHX), Bristol (BRS) and Cardiff (CWL).

    "In view of the amber weather warning forecast for snow on Saturday, 4 January and Sunday, 5 January across northern England and Wales and the potential for travel disruption, we are offering customers the opportunity to adjust travel plans without charge," the Glasgow-based regional airline said in a post on X.

  9. People warned to check journey before travelling

    Blurred passengers observe train board at station. Several services are marked as delayed or cancelledGetty Images

    National Rail is advising people to check their "whole journey" before setting off over the coming days as adverse weather conditions could cause travel disruptions.

    It warns that travel delays on the roads are likely with possible closures in some parts of the country, which could see some vehicles and passengers stranded.

    Also likely are more delays and cancellations to bus, rail and air travel as some rail operators continue to grapple with the consequences of weather-related issues earlier this week.

    Northern and ScotRail services are currently affected, while bus replacement services are running between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

  10. Yellow warning for ice now in place

    A yellow weather warning for ice has now come into effect for parts of the UK.

    As mentioned by our weather reporter Simon King earlier on, the warning covers most of Scotland, some of Northern Ireland and North Wales, and an area of north-west England.

    Locals are warned to expect some icy patches and to be wary of injuries from slips and falls.

    It is expected to last until 10:00 GMT tomorrow.

  11. What’s the advice for staying safe in the cold?

    A woman holds a white cup close to here lips, with her eyes closed. Steam curls off the cup.Getty Images

    When we are hit with unusually cold weather, it’s important to take precautions to mitigate against falling unwell. Here are some steps you can take this weekend:

    • Heat your home to a comfortable temperature - try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in try to at least 18°C
    • Wear multiple layers of thin clothing - this works more effectively that one thicker layer
    • Plan ahead for food and medication supplies in case it becomes difficult to leave the house. The NHS Care Volunteer Responders may be able to help those eligible
    • Try to reduce draughts and keep windows closed at night

    The government provides guidance on how to stay safe during cold weather as well as longer term measures you can look to implement for the future.

  12. Cold weekend comes off the back of the UK’s fifth warmest December on record

    A shot looking down at fields dusted in snow Caption -Snow in Allenheads, Northumberland on ThursdayPA Media

    Despite this weekend’s drop in temperature, December was actually the fifth warmest on record, according to Met Office figures released last Thursday.

    That’s in line with 2024 more generally, which was provisionally the fourth hottest year for the UK.

    Met Office Senior Scientist Mike Kendon said on Thursday: “With 2024 joining the top 10 warmest years for the UK's annual temperature series, once again this is a clear illustration that our climate is changing, right now, and we continue to head up this warming curve.”

    As a reminder, between 2014 and 2023, global temperatures were on average around 1.2C above those of the late 19th Century, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

    Rising temperatures can contribute to more extreme weather including hotter and longer heatwaves as well as heavier rainfall.

  13. Cold weather resurfaces row over Labour’s winter fuel payment cut

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves wearing a black blazer, white shirt and poppy attached to her lapel, stands next to Health Secretary Wes Streeting in a blue shirt. The pair are in a hospital standing beside two people, one in medical uniform.Reuters

    Earlier today we heard from the UK's Health Secretary who was quizzed about the government's decision to limit the number of people receiving the winter fuel payment.

    The government faced backlash after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced last July that winter fuel payments would be mainly limited to those receiving pension credit.

    When questioned about this, Wes Streeting told BBC Breakfast that this "is definitely a weekend to turn the heating on". He then went on to defend the Chancellor's decision, insisting that it will "protect winter fuel allowance for the poorest pensioners".

    Streeting's comments come after charity Age UK said earlier that this weekend's weather would bring the policy "into sharp relief".

    • For context: Previously, all pensioners got the payment to help with energy costs, worth between £200 and £300. But in July the government said future payments in England and Wales would only go to those on low incomes who received specified benefits such as pension credit, meaning more than 10 million people are no longer eligible

  14. Missing walkers found after nine-hour rescue operation

    Mountain rescuers were called out to Lairig Ghru in the CairngormsBraemar Mountain Rescue

    Mountain rescuers were called out to Lairig Ghru in the Cairngorms

    Three hillwalkers were rescued overnight in the Cairngorms as temperatures in Scotland dropped to -6C.

    Their call for help came in at about 21:45 near Lairig Ghru. After a nine-hour rescue operation, all walkers were found and are reported to be safe and well.

    More than 25 people from Braemar and Aberdeen Mountain Rescue teams, and a Coastguard helicopter, were involved in the rescue.

    Elsewhere, in the village of Toward, homes were evacuated as a precaution at 05:30 this morning after a lorry hit a gas main in Argyll. Police Scotland said there were no reported injuries.

  15. A moment of bliss for man's best friend

    Much of the UK is bracing for snowy and icy conditions over the weekend, with some areas in Scotland already receiving a few centimetres of the fluffy stuff. That's proving to be welcomed with a warm embrace by some of our four-legged friends, who have been out in full force enjoying the snow.

    A dog runs through snow in the Pentland Hills, Balerno, EdinburghPA Media

    A dog runs through the snow in the Pentland Hills in Balerno, Edinburgh

    A person walks their dog through snow in the Pentland Hills, Balerno, EdinburghPA Media

    Another dog takes in the wintry scenes in the Pentland Hills

    A dog in the snow in Cromford, DerbyshireBBC Weather Watchers / SalByThePond

  17. Hospital admissions for flu on the rise in Scotland

    John Swinney with a nurse injecting his flu vaccine. He's sitting down with his left shirt sleeve lifted as a nurse administers the vacchine. Behind him a blue board with a poppy and two sheets of paper with graphics and medical equipment including tablesPA Media

    First Minister of Scotland John Swinney received his winter flu vaccination in November

    The number of people being admitted to hospital due to flu has increased by 12% in the past week, according to data from Public Health Scotland (PHS).

    Hospital admissions rose from 1,375 the previous week to 1,537, the figures released on Friday show.

    A spokesperson for PHS says Scotland is seeing "particularly high levels" of flu this year, and urges those eligible to get their flu vaccination.

    "In many areas, drop-in clinics are running. Check your local health board website or social channels for local arrangements or you can call the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013," PHS says in a statement.

    NHS England earlier warned that flu admissions were rising at a "very concerning rate" having quadrupled over the last month.

  18. Where is the snowiest place in the UK?

    Wide view of the Cairngorm mountains in winterGetty Images

    The Cairngorm chairlift averages 76 days of snow each year

    Most of us will remember waking up to news of snow, and hoping that where we lived would claim the title of snowiest spot in the UK - meaning school would be cancelled for the day.

    But according to the Met Office, only the residents of the Cairngorms in Scotland can claim to hold the title.

    Specifically, the weather watching experts say that the snowiest place in the UK is the Cairngorm chairlift, which is at an elevation of 663m (2,175ft) and has 76 days of snow each year.

    As for the snowiest lowland site, that label is held by Baltasound in Shetland, which the Met Office says averages 65 days of snow each year.

  19. In pictures: Taking in the wintry scene

    Scotland has already received its fair share of snow over the past couple of days, with more expected over the weekend.

    In Balerno, a village on the outskirts of Edinburgh, locals have already been out and about exploring the wintry scene after snowfall overnight.

    People walk through snow in Balerno, Edinburgh, past cars covered in snow at the side of the roadPA Media
    Two people walk through snow in Balerno, EdinburghPA Media
    A car drives through snow in Balerno, Edinburgh.PA Media

  20. What are cold weather payments and who can get them?

    The cold weather payment is a government benefit top-up to help with fuel bills.

    The average temperature in a local area must be zero degrees Celsius or less for seven days in a row, or be forecast to be below freezing for seven consecutive days.

    Who can get cold weather payments?

    To qualify, you must live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

    Payments are not age-related but you must already be receiving certain benefits, including:

    • Pension Credit
    • Income Support
    • Income-based Job Seekers' Allowance
    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
    • Universal Credit - although there are certain exceptions
    • Support for Mortgage Interest

    Each cold weather payment is for a seven-day period and is worth £25.

    More than one payment will be made during the course of the winter if there are enough periods of cold weather.

    The scheme runs between 1 November and 31 March each year - read more about it here.