Snow and ice warnings issued as 2026 to begin with Arctic blast

Snow and ice warnings have been issued by the Met Office for New Year's Day and into the weekend.

Travel disruption is likely with some large snow accumulations and blizzards.

The cold spell is likely to last over a week with amber cold health alerts issued across the whole of England by the UK's Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Cold health alerts from the UKHSA have been upgraded to amber for the whole of England and will be in place until 12:00 on 6 January. The alerts warn of a rise in deaths particularly among elderly and vulnerable people. Other consequences of cold weather include temperatures inside hospitals and care homes dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks, and challenges for people keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C, according to the UKHSA.

With the drop in temperature, here are a few simple steps for people to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and well.

The Weather-Health Alerting System aims to provide an early warning when temperatures are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population.

Exposure to cold indoor or outdoor temperatures increases blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart problems, kidney disease, stroke or dementia.   

Cold temperatures can also make blood more likely to clot, which can lead to heart attacks and stroke.   

De-icing cars

The AA recommends checking your wipers are off and starting the engine, directing warm air to the windscreen, switching on the rear window heater, and turning on the air-con. Then, clear any snow with a soft brush, before using a scraper and liquid de-icer.

Also, whilst it not be apparent, the roads may be hiding ice, especially on ungritted roads!

Winter brings its own set of driving challenges, with darker days, slippery roads, and unpredictable conditions. It’s a good opportunity to share these reminders with family members who may not face such conditions every day.

Winter Car Essentials

A little preparation goes a long way during the colder months. Before you head out, take a few minutes to check your car and make sure it’s winter-ready.

Regularly check your oil levels, battery health, and lights to ensure everything is in good working condition. Batteries can struggle in cold weather, so make sure yours is fully charged and consider a professional battery check if it’s more than a few years old.

Keep de-icer and an ice scraper in your glove compartment – and a spare set in your boot just in case. Remember to never pour boiling water onto your windscreen as it can crack the glass.

Good tyre grip is vital for safe winter driving. Use the 20p coin test: insert the coin into your tyre’s tread grooves — if you can see the coin’s outer band, it’s time for new tyres. If in doubt, get your tyres professionally checked.

Replace worn wiper blades and use a winter-grade screen wash with a higher concentration to prevent freezing. You’ll use it more often in winter, so top it up regularly.

Be prepared for unexpected delays or breakdowns. Your emergency kit should include:

Many garages offer winter car checks, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure.

Before you set off

Planning ahead makes a big difference in winter driving safety.

Check your breakdown cover

Breakdowns are more common in winter, so it’s worth double-checking your breakdown cover before the cold weather hits. Make sure you know what level of assistance you have – especially if you regularly travel long distances or in rural areas.