Key Highlights
- An amber warning for snow is in force in Scotland.
- Yellow warnings are issued across the UK for strong winds, ice, and heavy rain.
- The weather conditions may lead to localised flooding due to melting snow and heavy rainfall.
- Recent storms have caused travel disruptions and school closures.
Amber Warning for Snow and Flooding in the UK
An amber warning has been issued for snow across central and northeastern Scotland, covering an area from Glasgow to Aberdeen. This warning remains in effect until 2pm on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
According to Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst, there is a “very unsettled start” to Sunday with outbreaks of heavy rain, strong winds, and snow, which will initially melt due to rising temperatures leading to the risk of flooding. The combination of melting snow and heavy rainfall poses a significant threat to localised areas.
Heavy Rain and Flooding Concerns
The Met Office has issued multiple yellow warnings for challenging weather conditions across parts of the UK, including:
- Snow and ice in much of Scotland, North West, North East, and West Midlands until 3pm on Sunday.
- Wind in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and an area north of Newcastle from Thursday to 9pm on Sunday.
- A second warning for wind from 9pm on Sunday to midday on Monday covers an area of Scotland north of Glasgow.
- Rain covering northwest Scotland until 10am on Monday, southwest Scotland until the end of Sunday, and Northern Ireland until 9pm on Sunday. Flooding is possible in all areas with heavy rainfall combined with snow melt.
- Ice across East Midlands and North East including parts of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire until 11am on Sunday.
Past Storms and Their Impact
The recent weather conditions, particularly the impact of Storm Goretti, have already caused significant disruption. Schools were closed in some areas due to severe snowfall and ice, leading to travel disruptions on Thursday and Friday. A man in his 50s was found dead after a tree fell onto his caravan in Cornwall.
The storm triggered a rare red weather warning as winds recorded at nearly 100mph were observed in the South West. The Met Office notes that southerly winds associated with bands of rain spreading from the southwest will make it much milder, ending the current cold spell and introducing warmer conditions to western parts first.
Weather Forecasts for the Coming Days
The weather is expected to turn milder in the coming days. Plymouth is predicted to see highs of 13°C (55°F) on Sunday, and Manchester could potentially reach 10°C (50°F). This compares to an average temperature of 8°C (46°F) in Madrid.
The Met Office’s weather producer, Dr. Chris England, stated that the snow will become largely confined to northern Scottish mountains by midday, before turning to rain almost everywhere.
The rain is expected to be heavy at times and combined with melting snow due to rising temperatures poses a risk of localised flooding in areas where drainage systems are overwhelmed.
Residents and authorities are advised to prepare for potential flooding and adhere to any safety instructions issued by local emergency services. Continuous monitoring of weather updates and adhering to guidelines from the Met Office and regional authorities will be crucial as conditions continue to evolve over the weekend and into Monday.
