2025 is getting off to a very chilly start. The UK is braced for a particularly freezing three days this weekend, with weather warnings issued all over the country. In other words, heavy snow and icy rain is on its way.
On top of warnings from the Met Office, the UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber cold weather health warning. So, whether you plan on getting out for a snowball fight or hibernating for 72 hours, here’s everything you need to know about the weather this weekend and how to stay safe.
When will it snow in the UK?
Most of the snow will start to fall from midday tomorrow (Saturday, January 4).
Where will it snow?
Almost everywhere in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland will see snow at some point in the next three days. A yellow weather warning is already in place in much of Scotland, including Glasgow. Another is issued for tomorrow covering major cities including Manchester, Newcastle, London, Birmingham and Cardiff.
Some coastal parts of England are unlikely to see the white stuff, though. They include Cornwall, Brighton, Portsmouth, Exeter, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Find out more about London’s snow forecast in more detail here.
What does a yellow weather warning mean?
The Met Office issues a yellow weather warning when the ice and snow causes a chance of power cuts, travel delays, mobile phone coverage disruption, injuries from slippery surfaces and risk of rural communities becoming cut off.
Where will be worst affected by the snow?
The heaviest snow will be in the higher parts of the country. Up to 30cm could fall over high ground of mid and north Wales and as much as 40cm in parts of the Pennines.
The yellow weather warning will continue until Monday afternoon in Scotland, Northumberland and Cumbria.
Will the snow settle?
The white stuff is not likely to stick in the south of the country. The Met Office says: ‘Whilst there is some uncertainty, any snow in southern and eastern parts of England, especially at low levels, will probably be rather transient before turning back to rain.’
Some snow could stay on the ground in Wales, the Midlands and northern England though.
In London this weekend? Here’s exactly when and how much snow will fall.
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