The Met Office has issued a fresh yellow weather warning for snow and ice across the UK, prompting urgent advice for households to prepare. The alert, active from Tuesday, 6th January 2026, affects significant parts of England, Scotland, and Wales, with a separate amber warning in place for Scotland.
Emergency Kit: The Seven Essential Items
In response to the forecast, British Gas has issued specific guidance, urging residents in the affected regions to compile an emergency kit containing seven crucial items. The utility giant advised stocking up on medicines, drinking water, and non-perishable food and snacks. Furthermore, households should ensure they have extra blankets, a torch, batteries, and a phone charger readily available.
The warning comes as forecasters predict a continuation of disruptive winter weather. Tuesday is expected to begin with wintry showers across Wales and southwest England. A band of rain, sleet, and snow will then move south-eastwards across Scotland and Northern Ireland, later reaching parts of Wales and England.
Regions at Risk: The Full List of 30 Areas
The yellow weather warning places thirty specific areas of England on alert. The affected locations include:
- Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk
- Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland
- East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, York
- Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Torbay
- Cumbria, Lancashire
In Scotland, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders are also under the yellow warning, with central and northern Scotland facing a higher amber alert and the risk of disruptive snow from late Tuesday morning into the early evening.
Forecasters Warn of Ongoing Winter Hazards
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, emphasised the persistent nature of the cold spell. He stated that the UK will continue to experience a range of winter hazards this week, including low temperatures, snow showers, and a widespread risk of ice.
"A number of severe weather warnings have been issued and these are likely to be updated through the week," Lehnert said, urging the public to keep up to date with the latest forecasts. The BBC Weather team noted uncertainty regarding a shift to milder conditions, indicating the cold snap could persist.
Residents in the named areas are strongly advised to heed the warnings, prepare their emergency supplies, and plan for potential travel disruption as the 'snow bomb' conditions return.
