Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures may trigger the UK’s third named storm of the 2024-2025 winter season, experts have warned. Weather forecasts indicate the potential for up to 3ft of snow in the higher regions of Scotland later this week, with snow expected across the entire UK before Friday, as per the latest weather maps. Additionally, an Arctic blast bringing temperatures as low as -8C is set to hit Britain, prompting a significant cold weather health advisory.
The anticipated severe weather conditions could lead to the official naming of Storm Chandra by the Met Office, according to Jim Dale, the chief meteorologist at British Weather Services. Dale cautioned that the weather outlook remains uncertain until the end of the week, especially on Thursday, January 8, and Friday, January 9.
Describing the upcoming weather as volatile and potentially hazardous, Dale emphasized the clash between Atlantic and Arctic air masses. He highlighted the mix of freezing temperatures, fog, ice, heavy snow, freezing rain, heavy rain, and strong winds, warning of continuously changing and uncertain conditions.
Storm Chandra would follow the previous storm, Storm Bram, named on December 8 last year, which brought strong winds and unusually warm temperatures in certain regions. In a separate event, Storm Amy was named on October 1, 2025, resulting in destructive winds across the UK, leading to fatalities and power outages.
Recent heavy snowfall has already impacted Scotland, causing school closures, flight cancellations, and transportation disruptions. Some regions reported up to 34cm of snow accumulation this morning. Amber weather warnings for snow were in effect in parts of Scotland until 10am, with ongoing yellow warnings for snow and ice across various UK regions.
Notable snow accumulations have been recorded in several areas, including Loch Glascarnoch in the Scottish Highlands with 34cm, Dyce in Aberdeenshire and Altnaharra in Sutherland with 27cm each, and Sennybridge in Powys with 19cm. The Met Office reported snowfall in other regions such as Castlederg, Bridlington, and more.
Amber warnings spanned multiple locations in Scotland, including Aberdeen, Aviemore, and Ullapool, covering the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides until Monday morning. Meanwhile, yellow warnings for snow and ice persisted in other parts of the UK.
Amber weather alerts signal the likelihood of severe weather impacts, including travel disruptions and risks to life and property. On the other hand, yellow warnings indicate lower-level impacts or potential severe effects with lower certainty, as per the Met Office.
The UK Health Security Agency issued amber cold health alerts for England, forecasting adverse temperatures that could affect health and wellbeing until Friday. Overnight temperature records dipped to as low as minus 10.9C in Shap, Cumbria, minus 10.3C in Sennybridge, Powys, and minus 9.9C in Bala, Gwynedd, according to the Met Office.