The Scottish Highlands are bracing for a significant winter onslaught, with forecasters warning of a returning 'snow bomb' and avalanche experts issuing six separate hazard warnings. The Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) has activated alerts for Thursday, 15 January 2026, urging extreme caution for anyone venturing into the mountains.
Avalanche Hazard Warnings in Detail
The service has issued a total of six warnings. Four are yellow 'moderate hazard' alerts, while two are more serious amber 'considerable hazard' warnings for specific areas of the Highlands. This comes after a week of cold conditions and persistent snowfall, which has left a good covering of snow down to the glens and created deep drifts in sheltered spots.
"It's been a cold week with snowfall most days," the SAIS reported. They noted that initial heavy snowfall was driven by strong north-easterly winds, particularly affecting the main Cairngorms and eastern areas. As weather patterns grew more complex, winds changed direction, redistributing snow across the hills. The service confirmed that one full-depth avalanche has already been reported this week, though few people have been on the hills.
Forecast for the 'Snow Bomb' Event
The incoming weather system is expected to deliver substantial fresh snow, with depths potentially reaching 20 centimetres. The SAIS forecast details a period of persistent snowfall, with rain at lower elevations. The freezing level is predicted to rise to around 950 metres overnight before lowering to 700 metres during the day.
Winds will be a major factor, starting as gale force southerlies, easing to strong and veering to a south-south-westerly direction. "Frequent snow showers are expected," the forecast states. The outlook for Scotland adds that snowfall overnight above 750 metres will become light and intermittent during the daytime.
Broader UK Weather Context
The wintry conditions in Scotland contrast with a very wet start to January in parts of southern England. BBC Lead Weather Presenters Chris Fawkes and Helen Willetts highlighted that Northolt in west London has recorded 44mm of rainfall already this month, representing 70% of its January average despite only being mid-way through.
While the ground in the Midlands and eastern England is less saturated, reducing the flood risk, the presenters warned that surface water and spray will likely affect some faster roads. The situation in the Highlands, however, remains one defined by winter mountain hazards, with the avalanche warnings underscoring the serious risks posed by the evolving snowpack and further anticipated snowfall.
