Amber weather warnings have been issued across the UK as severe winter conditions are expected to worsen. The latest warning, announced on January 5, 2024, specifically targets parts of Scotland, including Aberdeen, Aviemore in the Cairngorms, and Ullapool in Ross-shire. The alert is set to take effect at 18:00 local time and will remain in place until 10:00 the following morning, with predictions of “heavy snow” leading to significant travel disruptions.
In addition to the amber warning, yellow warnings for snow and ice are currently active for Wales, Greater Manchester, and south-west England. A large portion of England’s east coast is also under a yellow ice warning. In Scotland, a yellow warning covering much of the area north of Glasgow is set to expire at midnight on January 6, 2024. This encompasses vast regions of the Highlands and Aberdeenshire, including Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebridean Islands. Residents may see an accumulation of 5-10 cm of snow at lower elevations, with higher terrains possibly receiving 20-30 cm.
The Met Office has advised those in areas affected by the amber weather warning to prepare for travel chaos, as rural communities could face complete isolation. Flight cancellations are anticipated, with mobile phone networks also at risk of disruption. A spokesperson for the Met Office stated, “Heavy snow showers will become more frequent and may merge to give longer spells of snow at times.”
Social media reports indicated that parts of Aberdeenshire experienced snow depths of up to 14 cm on the morning of January 5. Loganair has already canceled flights from Aberdeen and Inverness airports due to the adverse weather conditions.
Education authorities have responded to the situation accordingly. Shetland Isles Council announced that all schools would remain closed on January 6. In Aberdeen, schools are set to open later, with a delay until 11:00 for some facilities. A representative from Aberdeen City Council noted, “Further updates for each school will be provided by head teachers tomorrow morning once they have assessed individual local circumstances.”
Police have also issued travel advice in light of the amber weather warning. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell warned that “driving conditions are likely to be hazardous in some areas.” He urged people to consider whether their journeys are necessary and to plan accordingly. “If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey,” Waddell added.
Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop remarked on the challenging conditions, especially as many people return to work after the festive break. She advised, “If you have to travel, then please ensure your vehicle is winter ready and have a winter kit in your car.” Hyslop also thanked frontline staff, including gritter drivers and police officers, who have been working in severe conditions.
Matthew Lehnert, a Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, provided insight into the forecast, stating, “As we begin the first full working week of the year, we face a range of winter weather hazards with snow showers and ice.” He noted that snow showers in northern Scotland are expected to increase in frequency on the evening of January 5, with some areas within the amber warning likely to see an additional 20-30 cm accumulate by the morning of January 6.
Looking ahead, Lehnert mentioned that milder air is expected to push eastward from January 7, bringing rain to southern regions, though there remains a chance for more organized snow along the boundary of the varying temperatures. Strong winds may also affect the weather later in the week.
As the UK braces for severe winter conditions, the impact on travel and daily life is anticipated to be significant, with authorities urging caution and preparedness.
