The Met Office has triggered a series of yellow weather warnings for snow and ice, placing a large portion of the UK on alert for a bitter and disruptive weekend. The warnings are active for Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th January 2026, as a surge of Arctic air is forecast to grip the nation.
Widespread Wintry Hazards Expected
A potent northerly airflow will usher in a severe cold snap, with temperatures plunging below zero for many. The most significant snow accumulations are predicted for higher ground in Scotland and northern England. However, the icy conditions are expected to be far more widespread.
Coastal areas may see a wintry mix of sleet and hail, while strong winds could combine with snowfall to create localised blizzard conditions and reduced visibility, particularly in exposed rural locations. Overnight, temperatures are set to plummet further, leading to widespread frost and the dangerous formation of black ice on untreated surfaces.
Major Travel Disruption Anticipated
The Met Office is advising the public to prepare for considerable disruption to travel networks. Road and rail services are likely to be affected, with delays and cancellations expected. Commuters and those planning essential journeys are strongly urged to check the latest travel updates before setting out.
Authorities have also warned of additional risks, including potential power cuts and interruptions to mobile phone signals in communities hardest hit by the snow, primarily in the north. Residents are advised to prepare emergency kits and to check on vulnerable neighbours.
Birmingham Braces for Bitter Cold
While the heaviest snow is forecast for regions further north, Birmingham and the West Midlands are firmly in the grip of the freezing Arctic air mass. The city remains under a yellow warning for ice and potential wintry showers.
Saturday in Birmingham is expected to be dry but bitterly cold, with temperatures struggling to reach 2°C in the city centre. Any early sunshine will give way to cloud, with a significant wind chill making it feel even colder. Overnight into Sunday, a sharp and widespread frost is expected as temperatures fall well below freezing.
The Met Office recommends that everyone in affected areas stays updated with the latest local weather bulletins as the situation develops over the coming days.
