The national forecaster has warned of travel disruption, communities being cut off and power cuts amid a new warning
11:15, 01 Jan 2026Updated 13:10, 01 Jan 2026
As Scotland marks the start of 2026, the festive period is being overshadowed by the winter weather, with conditions set to worsen across large parts of the country. Weather warnings for snow in parts of Scotland have been upgraded from yellow to amber, with the Met Office warning of significant disruption over the coming days.
The amber warning covers northern and north-east Scotland, where frequent and prolonged snow showers are expected from midday on Friday January 2 until midday on Saturday January 3. Forecasters say the conditions could lead to dangerous travel, with vehicles at risk of becoming stranded and delays or cancellations likely for both rail and air services.
The Met Office has also warned that rural communities are likely to be cut off, while power cuts are also increasingly likely as the weather deteriorates. Heavy snow showers are expected to become more frequent and longer-lasting, increasing the risk of widespread disruption.
Several areas of Scotland can expected heavier snow showers and disruptions(Image: Getty Images)
In an update the Met Office said: “Heavy snow showers will become more frequent and may merge to give longer spells of snow at times. The area and period covered by this warning are when the heaviest and most disruptive snow is thought most likely during the current cold spell, with existing yellow warnings covering a wider area and a longer period.
“Further accumulations of 10-20cm are likely at low levels with 30-40cm possible on high ground. Windy conditions will also result in some drifting of snow and temporary blizzard conditions.”
The warning is in place from 12pm January 2 till 12pm January 3(Image: The Met Office)What to expect from the amber warning
According to the Met Office people in the affected regions should expect:
- Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers
- Some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely
- There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off
- Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
The Met Office added: “Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).
“People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”
Regions and local authorities affected by the amber weather warning:
Central, Tayside & Fife
Grampian
- Aberdeen
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
Highlands & Eilean Siar
Residents in these areas are being advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings as conditions develop.