“This cold spell could last well into next week,” said Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong on Friday 2 January 2026, as amber snow warnings came into force for northern and north‑east Scotland from 12:00 today until 12:00 on Saturday. The Times reports yellow snow and ice alerts in place elsewhere into Monday.

For readers across the North and Midlands, the message is simple: plan as if journeys will take longer and some will not happen at all. Forecasters warn of blizzards and drifting in exposed parts of the Highlands, Grampian and Tayside & Fife, with snow totals on higher ground potentially reaching around 40cm.

Traffic Scotland expects the A835/A87, the A9 north of Inverness, the A95, A96 and A90/AWPR to be among the routes hardest hit, with fresh northerlies creating drifting and periods of white‑out. The amber zone specifically includes Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeenshire, Moray and parts of the Highlands.

In the East Midlands, Derbyshire Police closed the A38 northbound between the A5111 and A52 in Derby on Friday morning after multiple collisions on an icy carriageway. National Highways winter teams were sent to re‑plough and re‑grit while diversions were set up, according to West Bridgford Wire.

Aviation and local transport are straining too. ITV News Central reported delays of up to three hours at East Midlands Airport with some arrivals diverted, while Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue said they had “already attended a few incidents this morning due to the icy conditions” and urged drivers to slow down.

Rail operators across the North and Scotland are working to winter timetables and contingency plans. ScotRail says heavy snow and ice can force speed restrictions or temporary suspensions on exposed routes, while Northern is advising passengers to check live updates before travelling.

Public health guidance has been stepped up alongside the weather alerts. The UK Health Security Agency has an amber Cold‑Health Alert for the North East running until 12:00 on Monday 5 January, with England‑wide alerts in place during this cold spell; officials warn of higher risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections for over‑65s and those with existing conditions.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the “bitingly cold snap” will add pressure to hospitals and urged people to use A&E only for emergencies, stressing vaccination and common‑sense self‑care to keep capacity free for those who need it most.

On the roads, National Highways’ advice is to stick to main routes where possible, slow down and leave a much larger gap. If travel is unavoidable, pack warm layers, water, a torch and phone charger, snacks, de‑icer and an ice‑scraper, plus a blanket in case you get stuck.

Across Scotland the gritter fleet is out in force. Transport Scotland’s live Gritter Tracker shows named trucks clearing trunk roads - from Sir Andy Flurry to Plougher O’Scotland - offering a small lift for communities facing a tough shift.

Forecasts will evolve through the weekend as showers move south and east. The Met Office says further warnings are likely in the days ahead - keep checking official updates and plan around the worst of the weather.