UK Snow Forecast 2025: Snow and icy conditions disrupt travel, schools, and power across England, Wales, and Scotland

The UK Snow Forecast 2025 predicts three days of heavy snow and freezing temperatures, with a Met Office yellow warning issued for snow and ice across most of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland. From Saturday at noon until 09:00 GMT on Monday, the wintry weather poses risks of power outages, rural isolation, school closures, and severe travel disruptions.

Forecasts predict snowfall of 5cm across the Midlands, Wales, and northern England, with 20-30cm expected on higher ground in Wales and the Pennines. Strong winds could exacerbate the conditions with drifting snow. While southern England may experience snow initially, milder air is likely to bring rain as the weekend progresses.

The Arctic blast will arrive on Thursday, causing temperatures to plunge overnight and ushering in icy conditions, particularly in Scotland. Bitter winds and wintry showers will dominate the forecast, creating a stark contrast to the heavy rains and flooding that marked New Year’s celebrations in parts of the UK.

In Greater Manchester, flooding forced the declaration of a major incident on New Year’s Day, with areas such as Bolton, Didsbury, and Stockport heavily affected. Cheshire also saw significant disruption, including the collapse of the Bridgewater Canal’s banks, resulting in road closures and evacuations.

BBC Weather presenter Ben Rich emphasised the challenges in forecasting snow, noting that minor shifts in temperature or pressure systems could alter precipitation to rain or sleet. The Met Office warns that updates to the forecast are likely as the Arctic front’s trajectory becomes clearer.

The UK has already endured a wet and stormy start to 2025, with over 100mm of rain recorded in parts of Wales and Cumbria in the past 24 hours. As the nation prepares for another wave of extreme weather, communities are advised to stay updated on warnings and prepare for disruptions.