“We’re in for a taste of winter as we welcome the New Year,” said Met Office deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway, as a yellow warning for snow and ice was issued for northern Scotland from 06:00 Thursday 1 January to 23:59 Friday 2 January. Health chiefs have also activated amber cold‑health alerts for North East and North West England until 12:00 on Monday 5 January.

Arctic air and strong northerlies will sweep south, bringing very cold days, sharp night frosts and the first proper snow of the season for many, according to the Met Office. Officials add that more warnings for snow and ice are likely as the cold spell persists through the first week of January.

For readers from Carlisle and Kendal to Newcastle and Whitby, the immediate question is what reaches our side of the Border. Wintry showers are expected to push into northern England from New Year’s Day, with exposed coasts in Northumberland and the North York Moors particularly prone when the wind sets northerly. Brighter spells will break through between showers.

Daytime temperatures in the North East and North West will hover around 3–5C through the end of the week, with nights near -3C; parts of Scotland could dip closer to -7C. In the wind it will feel colder.

Across northern Scotland, where the yellow warning applies, frequent and heavy showers could leave 2–5cm at lower levels by Friday morning, with 10cm in places. Above 200m, 10–20cm is possible, and on the highest routes 30cm or more, with drifting in the strong northerly.

UKHSA says the cold will put pressure on health and care services, warning of increased risks for older people and those with heart or lung conditions. The agency notes some settings may struggle to keep rooms at the recommended 18C; Dr Agostinho Sousa urged the public to “check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.”

Travel disruption is possible in the warning zone as showers align in the wind, especially over higher routes. If you’re crossing upland stretches of the A66 or heading over Pennine passes later this week, build in time, carry warm layers and a torch, and check forecasts before moving freight or making essential trips.

NHS leaders in Lancashire and South Cumbria say an amber cold‑health alert remains in effect across the North West until midday on Monday 5 January, urging residents to take winter advice seriously - from keeping homes warm to checking on neighbours who might struggle.

Rural isolation bites hardest when temperatures plunge. Hill farms, outlying terraces and coastal villages should check heating oil and solid‑fuel supplies, top up grit, run vehicle batteries, confirm care visits and keep community phone trees active. Small firms reliant on deliveries may want to pull forward stock where possible and plan for staff working from home if roads glaze.

With the cold set to bite into next week, forecasters are watching for further snow and ice hazards beyond Friday’s window. Expect updated warnings and keep an eye on local forecasts as details evolve through the first week of January.