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A cold snap has taken hold of the UK, with some regions expected to see up to 40cm of snow and temperatures dropping below freezing.
Multiple amber and yellow warnings for snow and ice have been issued nationwide, with some warnings extended until Monday.
The fountains at Trafalgar Square in central London have frozen over following a night of sub-zero temperatures in the capital.Credit: LNP
Bran Castle in Llangollen, Wales, has already seen significant snowfall.Credit: EPA
Numerous amber and yellow weather warnings have been issued across the UK.Credit: MET Office
In the north, amber snow warnings are in effect until midday today.
Additionally, yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are active along the east and west coasts throughout most of the day.
Freezing temperatures are anticipated to persist over the weekend and into the beginning of next week.
Some areas of the UK have already faced heavy snowfall and icy conditions as 2026 begins with a drastic drop in temperature.
The Met Office has cautioned that certain roads and railways may be impacted, resulting in extended travel times for road, bus, and train services amid the cold temperatures.
A yellow warning has been in effect since 6 PM last night and will remain until 10 AM today.
In the south-west, a yellow warning for snow and ice is also in place from 6 PM last night until 10 AM today.
An additional yellow weather warning has been issued for the East Midlands, East of England, North East England, and the Humber.
This warning has been active since 5 PM last night and will last until 11:59 PM today.
Weather warnings are now in effect throughout the weekend and into Monday, with the Met Office warning of a severe cold snap.
Expect around 10-20cm of snow at lower elevations, with 30-40cm possible on higher ground.
Winds may result in temporary blizzard conditions in certain parts of the UK, according to the Met Office.
Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong stated, “With Arctic air now covering most of the UK, extremely cold weather will persist through the weekend, with overnight temperatures dropping to minus double figures in some areas and daytime temperatures struggling to exceed 0°C in others.
“It appears that this cold spell could extend well into next week, with continued wintry conditions and more weather warnings likely.”
Yellow weather warnings that are currently in effect have been extended until Monday.Credit: EPA
Snowploughs have been deployed to clear the roads.Credit: Getty
In Scotland, residents have had to shovel snow off their vehicles.Credit: Getty
“It is crucial for people to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings and to plan accordingly.”
Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber warnings that will remain in effect until 10 AM on January 9.
This alert has been issued for the East Midlands, North East, South East, South West, East of England, and the Humber.
The UKHSA indicated that this means the weather is “likely” to cause significant impacts on health and social care services.
The cold weather may lead to an “increase in deaths” among individuals with health issues or those aged 65 and over, according to the UKHSA.
Met Office 5-Day Forecast
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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