The Met Office has issued a rare amber weather warning for heavy snow across parts of Scotland, as the UK braces for widespread disruption at the start of the new working week. The warning, issued on Sunday morning, anticipates up to 30cm of snow in some areas and comes as millions return to work after the festive break.
The amber alert covers Aberdeen, Aviemore in the Cairngorms, and Ullapool in Ross-shire, running from 6pm on Sunday until 10am on Monday. Forecasters predict 5-10cm of snow at low levels, with 20-30cm possible on higher ground.
The Met Office warned: «Heavy snow showers will become more frequent and may merge to give longer spells of snow at times. The areas and period covered by this warning are when the heaviest and most disruptive snow is thought most likely during the current cold spell, with existing yellow warnings covering a wider area and a longer period.»
Yellow warnings for snow and ice remain in place across much of the UK, including Wales, Greater Manchester, south-west England, and the east coast of England. In Scotland, yellow warnings cover most of the nation north of Glasgow, the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides.
Travel disruption expected
Monday's return to work faces widespread disruption to roads, railways, and air travel. Rural communities could become cut off, and mobile phone coverage may be affected in some areas. Power cuts are also possible in the coldest regions.
Scottish Cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop urged travellers to prepare carefully. «We've already seen challenging conditions and freezing temperatures, with more snow and ice on the way for the same areas,» she said. «Of course for many Monday marks a return to work from the festive break.»
She advised drivers to ensure vehicles are "winter ready" with a winter kit and to follow Police Scotland travel advice. «If you can delay your journey until the amber warning has expired, please do so,» Hyslop added.
Health warnings
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold health alerts across England until 10am on 9 January, covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. Officials warn of a "likely" rise in deaths among people aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
Temperatures are forecast to plunge as low as -11C in some areas, with daytime highs struggling to rise above freezing. Met Office chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: «Arctic air and brisk northerly winds are gripping the UK as we start the new year. Bitterly cold conditions will persist through the weekend and into next week, with daytime temperatures struggling to rise above freezing for some, and overnight lows dipping to minus double figures in places.»
More than 20cm of snow has already fallen in parts of northern Scotland, including 37cm at Tomintoul in the Cairngorms. Winds could cause snow drifting and temporary blizzard conditions in exposed areas.
Hyslop thanked frontline staff working in "dreadful conditions," including gritter drivers, chainsaw gangs, and police officers.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
