Scotland is bracing for a sharp return to full winter conditions as a broad yellow warning for snow and ice takes hold across northern and central parts of the country, raising the prospect of hazardous travel, localized power disruption and difficult conditions for residents and visitors over the New Year period.

The Met Office alert, in force for swathes of Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, the Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland and parts of Strathclyde, highlights the risk of frequent snow showers, strong northerly winds and rapidly icing surfaces on roads and pavements.

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Met Office Warning Maps a Wide Swath of Risk

The latest national severe weather warning from the Met Office covers a broad band of northern Scotland, including Angus and Perth and Kinross in Central, Tayside and Fife, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray in Grampian, the Highland mainland and the Western Isles, as well as Orkney, Shetland and Argyll and Bute.

The warning, updated on December 30, 2025, raises the likelihood of medium impacts from snow and ice as colder Arctic air undercuts relatively milder conditions and showers turn wintry.

Forecasters say showers will increasingly fall as snow through Thursday and into Friday as a strong, locally gale force northerly wind establishes itself over Scotland. Initially, accumulations are expected mainly on higher routes, but by Thursday evening forecasters expect snow to settle even at low levels in many areas, bringing 2 to 5 centimetres of lying snow for some communities by Friday morning, with 10 centimetres possible in places.

Above around 200 metres elevation, snowfall totals are projected to be significantly higher. The Met Office expects 10 to 20 centimetres of snow to build up in many upland locations, with 30 centimetres or more possible on the highest hills and passes over the course of the warning period.

In combination with the strong winds, that depth of fresh, powdery snow is likely to drift, filling in roads and tracks and making conditions particularly treacherous on exposed routes.

Central, Tayside & Fife and Grampian: Commuter Corridors Under Pressure

The Central, Tayside and Fife region faces some of the most immediate impacts because of its dense population and key road and rail arteries. Angus and Perth and Kinross sit directly in the warning zone, with wintry showers expected to push inland from the North Sea and wrap around into the central belt.

Commuters using the A90 corridor between Dundee, Aberdeen and the central belt are being urged to plan extra time, check conditions before setting out and be prepared for quickly changing surfaces as showers pass through.

In Grampian, the cities of Aberdeen and the surrounding shire, as well as coastal Moray communities, are forecast to see a mix of sleet and snow at lower levels, with heavier falls over the Grampian mountains and the high passes that connect Aberdeenshire with Highland and Tayside.

Short, sharp bursts of snow could create temporary whiteout conditions, especially where showers align into bands along the northerly flow, a typical pattern in this kind of set-up.

Given the recent pattern of unsettled weather across the UK, local authorities are positioning gritters and snowploughs along priority networks in the northeast to keep main routes open for as long as possible.

However, transport officials warn that even well treated roads can deteriorate quickly when air temperatures drop below freezing and snowfall intensifies. Drivers are being advised to carry warm clothing, food, water and a charged mobile phone if they must travel.

The Highlands and Western Isles are expected to bear the brunt of the heaviest snowfall, particularly on exposed Atlantic-facing coasts and the upland interior. Operational reports from previous cold spells this winter highlight how quickly road conditions can deteriorate in these areas, with compacted snow and ice lingering even after showers ease.

The Highland Council is warning that while trunk roads and primary routes will be treated frequently, many lower-priority routes may remain snow covered or icy for extended periods, especially overnight and into the early mornings.

Northwest Scotland and the islands of the Outer Hebrides can expect some of the most frequent showers, driven onshore by the northerly wind. With air temperatures below freezing and ground surfaces already cold, fresh snowfall is likely to settle efficiently, building up 3 to 7 centimetres at low levels in some parts and 10 to 15 centimetres above around 150 metres, based on recent Met Office guidance for similar setups earlier this winter.

Island communities in Na h Eileanan Siar may also face ferry disruption if visibility drops or swell conditions worsen in the Minch. Past episodes of snow and ice warnings have coincided with delays and cancellations on key lifeline routes linking Stornoway, Uist and Barra to the mainland. Travellers with bookings over the coming days are being urged to check the latest service updates from operators before travelling to ports, and to be prepared for last-minute timetable changes.

Orkney, Shetland and the Northern Isles: Strong Winds and Blowing Snow

Orkney and Shetland, already accustomed to strong winter winds, are now preparing for the added complication of snow showers and the risk of ice as the Arctic air mass establishes itself over the Northern Isles. The Met Office warning highlights these islands as part of the core risk area, with frequent, often heavy showers expected to move south across the archipelagos through Thursday and Friday.

While raw snowfall totals in some coastal locations may remain relatively modest at low levels due to the moderating effect of the sea, the strength of the northerly wind means that even light snow showers are likely to be whipped into blowing and drifting snow across exposed stretches of road and open land. This can reduce visibility abruptly and create deceptive accumulations in hollows and on leeward slopes, even where surrounding ground appears less affected.

Air travel links to Kirkwall and Sumburgh could see delays if visibility deteriorates or crosswinds become too strong for safe operations. Inter-island ferry services are also at risk of disruption, particularly smaller vessels more vulnerable to rough seas and icing on decks.

Residents and visitors across the Northern Isles are being encouraged to stay informed through local radio and official channels as conditions evolve, and to avoid non-essential travel during the most intense periods of showers and gales.

Transport Scotland and Local Authorities Urge Caution

Transport Scotland and regional councils across the affected zones are emphasizing preparation and caution as the warning period approaches. Officials stress that even short local journeys can become difficult in a matter of minutes when showers turn wintry, especially on untreated side roads and rural routes. Drivers are being advised to slow down, leave greater stopping distances and avoid sudden braking or acceleration, which can trigger loss of control on icy surfaces.

Past cold spells in late 2025 have already demonstrated the vulnerability of some parts of the road network in Highland and island regions, with black ice and compacted snow leading to collisions and road closures. With the latest warning again flagging the risk of drifting snow and ice, heavy goods vehicles and high-sided vehicles may face particular challenges on exposed sections of trunk roads and causeways connecting islands and peninsulas.

Rail operators serving the northeast and Highland lines are also preparing for potential disruption. Snow on tracks and freezing conditions around points and signalling equipment can slow services or force cancellations, while high winds may require speed restrictions on certain sections. Passengers are being urged to check live updates and allow additional time for journeys, especially on cross-country connections that traverse multiple warning areas.

Tourism, Outdoor Plans and New Year Travel

The timing of the cold snap brings particular concern for Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector, which is gearing up for New Year and early January visitors. Popular destinations such as Inverness, Aviemore and the Cairngorms, Moray’s coastal towns, and island hubs like Kirkwall and Stornoway can expect challenging conditions on access routes, with visitors urged to heed official advice and to build extra time into their travel plans.

For winter sports enthusiasts, the combination of cold temperatures and fresh snowfall will be welcome, potentially improving cover at ski centres in the Highlands. However, operators typically stress safety first in such conditions, especially where strong winds are involved and where avalanche risk can rise on certain slopes once deeper accumulations build up. Those planning mountain activities are being advised to consult local avalanche forecasts, carry appropriate equipment and be prepared to change plans at short notice.

City-based celebrations and events further south, including in the central belt, are expected to be less severely impacted but could still see icy pavements, sleety showers and slippery conditions underfoot for late-night revellers and early morning commuters. Local authorities in urban areas inside the warning zone are prioritising gritting of main pedestrian routes and transport interchanges, but they warn that not every footpath or minor road can be treated in time when showers are frequent.

Health, Power and Community Resilience Concerns

Health agencies and emergency planners are highlighting the risk the cold snap poses to vulnerable groups, particularly older people, those with underlying health conditions and households in remote communities that may become temporarily cut off by snow or ice. Prolonged sub-zero temperatures and bitter wind chill raise the risk of hypothermia and respiratory issues, while icy surfaces increase the likelihood of slips, trips and falls.

Energy network operators are monitoring the forecast closely for signs that strong winds and heavy, sticky snow could affect power lines in exposed areas. While the current warning is for snow and ice rather than storm-force winds, even gale force gusts combined with drifting snow can lead to localized outages. Residents in rural parts of the Highlands, Islands and Grampian are being encouraged to keep torches, spare batteries, fully charged power banks and basic supplies to hand in case of interruptions to electricity or road access.

Local resilience partnerships, which bring together councils, emergency services, health boards and volunteer organizations, typically activate enhanced monitoring and coordination arrangements during such warnings. Communities have been urged to look out for neighbours, particularly those living alone, and to ensure that essential medicines, heating fuel and food are stocked where travel could become difficult for several days.

Outlook: Cold Spell Likely to Persist Into Early January

Met Office guidance suggests that the transition to this colder regime is unlikely to be brief. A strong northerly airflow drawing in Arctic air is expected to remain in place into the first week of January, with widespread and locally severe frosts at night and daytime temperatures struggling to rise much above freezing in many northern and central areas.

Forecasters anticipate that snow showers will continue to affect northern Scotland for several days, with the potential for the risk area to extend southwards at times as small low pressure systems rotate around the wider pattern. That could bring further spells of snow or wintry mixes to parts of central Scotland and, intermittently, to northern England, though there remains uncertainty over the exact timing and track of any features.

While some milder air may eventually try to push in from the Atlantic later in the period, any transition is likely to be gradual and may itself bring further hazards in the form of freezing rain, ice and a rapid thaw of lying snow, which can contribute to localised surface water and minor flooding issues. For now, the focus for Scotland remains firmly on snow and ice, and the need for residents and visitors to stay informed and prepared.

FAQ

Q1. Which parts of Scotland are currently covered by the snow and ice warning?
Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, and parts of Strathclyde, including areas such as Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, the Highland mainland, the Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and Argyll and Bute, are within the warning area.

Q2. When will the worst of the snow and ice conditions occur?
The most disruptive period is expected from Thursday into Friday as showers turn increasingly to snow, temperatures fall below freezing and strong northerly winds develop, though wintry conditions could persist into the first week of January.

Q3. How much snow is expected at low levels and on higher ground?
At low levels, many locations could see 2 to 5 centimetres of lying snow, with up to 10 centimetres in places where showers are more frequent. Above about 200 metres, totals of 10 to 20 centimetres are possible, and 30 centimetres or more could accumulate on the highest hills and passes.

Q4. Will travel be disrupted on main roads and public transport?
Yes, the Met Office warns of a risk of travel disruption on roads and rail, with slower journey times, difficult driving conditions, and the potential for some routes to be temporarily blocked by drifting snow or ice, especially in upland and exposed areas.

Q5. Are ferry and air services likely to be affected?
Ferry routes serving the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland may face delays or cancellations if sea conditions worsen or visibility drops, and flights to and from northern airports could also be disrupted by snow showers, crosswinds and icy surfaces.

Q6. What precautions should drivers take if they need to travel?
Drivers are advised to plan ahead, check the latest forecasts and transport updates, allow extra time, reduce speed, increase stopping distances, and carry essentials such as warm clothing, blankets, food, water and a fully charged mobile phone.

Q7. How will local authorities respond to the snow and ice?
Councils and Transport Scotland will prioritize gritting and ploughing on trunk roads, main commuter routes and key bus corridors, but warn that side roads and rural routes may remain snow covered or icy, particularly overnight and in the early morning.

Q8. What are the main health risks associated with this cold spell?
Prolonged low temperatures increase the risk of hypothermia and respiratory problems, while icy surfaces raise the danger of slips and falls. Health authorities are especially concerned about impacts on older people, those with long-term conditions and people living in poorly heated homes.

Q9. Could there be power cuts in affected areas?
There is a possibility of localized power outages where strong winds and heavy, drifting snow affect overhead lines, particularly in exposed rural and island communities, so residents are encouraged to have torches, spare batteries and power banks ready.

Q10. Where can residents and visitors find the latest information?
People are advised to follow official forecasts from the Met Office, updates from Transport Scotland, local councils and transport operators, and to monitor trusted local news outlets and radio for real-time information on road, rail, ferry and air conditions.