Winter weather warnings remain in force nationwide, with four amber alerts for heavy snow covering northern Scotland until Monday morning. Yellow warnings for snow and ice are also in place across all of Northern Ireland, Wales and much of England.
Forecasters warned that higher ground in Scotland could see snowfall of up to 30 centimetres overnight. Communities in areas covered by amber warnings have been advised to prepare for significant travel disruption and the possibility of rural areas becoming temporarily cut off.
A number of schools have already announced changes to opening times. All schools on the Shetland Islands will be closed on Monday, while schools in Aberdeen are due to open later than usual, at 11am.
Travel disruption has also affected air services. Loganair cancelled flights departing from Inverness and Aberdeen airports on Sunday, offering passengers the option to rebook without charge.
Transport Scotland urged motorists to plan journeys carefully, allow extra time and drive according to the conditions. Police Scotland echoed the warning, advising people to reconsider whether travel is necessary during the worst of the weather.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said forecast snow and ice were likely to create hazardous driving conditions in some areas and encouraged drivers to plan ahead.
Scotland’s transport secretary, Fiona Hyslop, said freezing temperatures and further snowfall were expected in the coming days. She urged anyone who must travel to ensure their vehicle is winter-ready and to carry essential supplies. She also paid tribute to gritter drivers, emergency services and other frontline workers who have been responding throughout the weekend.
The Met Office said wintry conditions would continue across much of the country, with snow showers, frost and ice expected in many areas. Matthew Lehnert, a chief meteorologist, said slightly milder air may begin moving east from Tuesday, increasing the likelihood of rain in southern regions. However, he warned that further snowfall could develop where cold and mild air meet, along with strong winds later in the week.
Health officials have also raised concerns about the impact of cold weather. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold health alerts across England until Tuesday.
Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the agency, said low temperatures can pose serious health risks, particularly for older people and those with existing medical conditions. He urged the public to check on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours during the cold spell.
