The Met Office issued a yellow warning for snow across parts of England and Wales from 18:00 on Thursday 8 January to 12:00 on Friday 9 January, and a yellow warning for wind across parts of southwest England from 15:00 to 23:59 on Thursday, in a media release published at 12:08 on Tuesday 6 January 20261. The low was named Storm Goretti by Météo France, as the worst of the wind impacts were expected across northern France1.
Snow accumulations of 5 to 10cm were described as possible, with as much as 20cm over higher ground in Wales, and gusts of 50 to 60mph, possibly 70mph around exposed coasts, were possible on Thursday evening1. The Met Office said warnings were likely to be updated as detail became more certain1. The same release recorded that the previous night was the coldest of the winter so far, with temperatures falling to as low as -12.5°C in Marham, Norfolk, while Santam Downham in Suffolk and Topcliffe in North Yorkshire both saw a low of -10°C1. Amber warnings for snow were in place in northern Scotland until 19:00, with a yellow warning for snow and ice following for the whole of Wednesday, and new yellow warnings for ice covering Northern Ireland, Scotland and much of England and Wales overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning1. UKHSA Amber cold weather health alerts were in place for all regions of England until 11 January1.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said:
"Thursday night could be what we call a 'multi-hazard' event, with snow on the northern flank of the low, wind and rain on the southern flank."
He added that the exact track of the low was still uncertain and that the warnings were likely to be amended, and potentially escalated, over the coming days1. Temperatures were expected to stay well below average into the weekend, with wintry showers and ice still a hazard in places1.
| Warning | Area | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow, snow | Parts of England and Wales | Thursday 18:00 to Friday 12:00 |
| Yellow, wind | Parts of southwest England | Thursday 15:00 to 23:59 |
| Amber, snow | Northern Scotland | Until Tuesday 19:00 |
| Yellow, snow and ice | Northern Scotland | All of Wednesday |
| Yellow, ice | Northern Ireland, Scotland, much of England and Wales | Overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning |
Why it matters for households
The warnings cover travel disruption and difficult travelling conditions from heavy snow, and possible disruption from strong winds1. The Met Office's guide to yellow, amber and red warnings sets out what each level means. Its storms, snow and ice household guide covers preparing for this kind of weather, and households can sign up for Met Office weather alerts.
Age Scotland policy director Adam Stachura said people should try to make sure they have enough food and any important medications at home to reduce the need for unnecessary and potentially risky trips, particularly if they have mobility challenges or are unsteady on their feet1. He also said that if heating the home is a challenge, people should try to stay warm in the room they will spend most of their time in by wearing layered clothing, taking warm drinks and food with some regular movement to help circulation and keep muscles active, and asked people clearing paths and drives of snow and ice to think about doing so for older neighbours1.
The Met Office's WeatherReady campaign offers practical advice to help prepare the home, garden and daily routines for winter weather1.
What happens next
The Met Office said warnings were likely to be amended, and potentially escalated, over the coming days, and that it was vital people kept up to date with the latest forecasts1. Further unsettled weather was expected to move in on Sunday as an area of low pressure to the northwest of the UK brought rain from the west, potentially turning to snow, with strong winds also a possibility, and milder air moving in from the west to end the current cold spell1.
Met Office Weather Warnings
Delaying Journeys in Bad Weather
Snow and Ice Household Guide
