Heavy snow and freezing rain is affecting much of England and Wales this morning causing travel chaos, as two amber alerts remain in place.
Runways at Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon airports were temporarily closed today due to heavy snowfall, causing flight delays.
Overnight, heavy snow covered north Wales, the north Midlands and stretching across all of Northern England. The coldest temperature was recorded in Loch Glascarnoch in Scotland at -11C.
The first amber warning for snow and rare freezing rain covering most of Wales and central England came into place from 6pm yesterday to midday today.
Another amber snow alert is in place across most of northern England from 9pm on Saturday until the close of Sunday.
Up to 40cm of snow is expected in the worst affected areas, while much of the warning area can expect 3cm to 7cm, the Met Office predicted.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also issued a Cold-Health Alert (CHA), warning of an “increase in risk to health”.
Key Points
- Snow chaos at Bristol airport
- Collision on M5 amid snow warnings
- Temperatures reached low of -9C overnight, Met Office confirms
- All Met Office weather warnings in place today
- Three more new weather warnings issued for tomorrow
- Airports close runways amid heavy snow, delaying flights
Diversions begin from Manchester airport
08:08
Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent
Airline passengers across England are facing severe disruption as airports are hit by heavy snow. Bristol airport closed for several hours on Saturday night, with dozens of diversions, delays and cancellations – and Manchester airport has closed both runways due to the snow, along with nearby Liverpool airport.
The diversions have begun. Passengers on the Qatar Airways overnight flight from Doha are blearily rubbing their eyes in Birmingham airport. Flight QR21 arrived in the Manchester area slightly behind schedule, just after the runway closed. It held for 50 minutes before diverting south to the West Midlands airport.
The last flight to land was Tui from Barbados at 6.05am, and in the following 90 minutes there are 10 more long-haul planes waiting to touch down. From the east, aircraft are holding from Beijing, Shanghai, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From across the Atlantic, planes from New York, Atlanta, Orlando and Toronto, and another couple from Barbados.
Most have been flying holding patterns for half-an-hour or more, with more diversion declarations likely imminently.
Each time a plane diverts, it sets up problems for passengers later in the day. For example, the Qatar Airways flight was due out at 7.45am, with hundreds of passengers due to transfer to other flights to Africa, Asia and Australasia.
Manchester airport closure likely to cause severe disruption
07:48
Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent
“Our runways are temporarily closed due to heavy snow, as our teams work hard to clear them as quickly as possible” – that announcement from Manchester airport shortly after 6am signals severe disruption for many thousands of passengers. “We will update you as soon as possible.”
Manchester airport is the third-busiest in the UK, after London Heathrow and Gatwick, and it has had a really difficult night, with every single flight since 10.30pm on Saturday delayed.
The closure of both runways will prove annoying for the tens of thousands of passengers waiting to fly out, but at least they can stay put. The last flight to land was Tui from Barbados at 6.05am, and in the following 90 minutes there are 11 long-haul planes waiting to touch down. From the east, aircraft are holding from Beijing, Shanghai, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha. From across the Atlantic, planes from New York, Atlanta, Orlando and Toronto, and another couple from Barbados.
Diversions look certain to start soon – last time this happened in Manchester, in January 2003, planes landed as far away as Dublin and Paris.
What is freezing rain and why is it dangerous?
07:30
Stuti Mishra
The Met Office has warned of snow and ice, with the risk of rare freezing rain, across most of England and Wales over the weekend.
The phenomenon - commonly known as ice storms in North America - is not often seen in the UK because the conditions needed for it are quite specific, according to the forecaster.
Read more:
Airports close runways amid heavy snow, delaying flights
07:11
Stuti Mishra
Runways at Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon airports were temporarily closed on Sunday due to heavy snowfall, causing flight delays.
Manchester Airport cited "heavy snow" and said teams were working to reopen the runways as soon as possible, urging passengers to check with airlines for updates. Liverpool John Lennon Airport also closed its runway but remains operational.
"We are working hard to clear the runway and will provide an update at 07.45 (GMT)," the airport said.
Elsewhere, Birmingham Airport resumed operations early Sunday after suspending flights overnight for snow clearing, while Bristol Airport reopened late Saturday but warned of potential delays due to displaced aircraft.
Snow mapped: Today’s weather warnings and forecast
07:00
Stuti Mishra
Eight weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office as temperatures plummet over the first weekend of 2025.
Two amber weather warnings have been issued, including a warning for snow and ice which will stay until 12pm today, covering most of the Midlands, Wales and parts of northern England.
Another amber snow warning will stay in place until the end of the day.
Read more:
Photos: Streets covered in snow
06:30
Stuti Mishra
#uksnow. Lancashire right now.
— stu lawrence (@LawrenceSt43350) January 4, 2025
Bye thee eck pic.twitter.com/qCiKpiDQBk
York Minster #uksnow pic.twitter.com/TXQcFiZTsU
— Brooke (@brookeyork99) January 5, 2025
Blanket of white developing here in Dorking, Surrey #uksnow pic.twitter.com/dfhmzOK8Ni
— Kate Chapman (@surreykate) January 4, 2025
Good night from High Barnet ❄️ #uksnow pic.twitter.com/zrt49TsG8Q
— Simon Atkinson (@SimonMAtkinson) January 5, 2025
Icy blast raises risk of death in elderly, health chiefs warn
06:00
Alexander Butler
Rain and snow sweeping across the UK
05:30
Stuti Mishra
Met Office animation shows rain and snow arrived from the southeast on Saturday evening and is slowly making its way northeast.
“There’s more wintry weather on the way,” the forecaster says, as two amber weather warnings are in place.
Rain and snow arrived in the southwest on Saturday evening and has been moving slowly towards the northeast ever since ️
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 5, 2025
There's more wintry weather on the way, so make sure you stay up to date with the latest warnings and advice ⚠️
Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs pic.twitter.com/6YQJoBfLoE
Three hillwalkers rescued after walking through blizzard in freezing temperatures
05:00
Alexander Butler
Photo: Street covered in snow
04:30
Stuti Mishra
A photo from Godalming Town Council in Surrey, posted byPaul Follows, leader of Waverley borough council shows the local town centre covered in snow.
#Godalming Town Centre with some snow flurries for once! ❄️ pic.twitter.com/zsAXjU3AVm
— Cllr. Paul David Follows (@PaulDFollows) January 4, 2025
RSPCA warns householders that salt and antifreeze kill pets
04:00
Alexander Butler
Sunday forecast: Rain and snow set to cause disruptions
03:35
Stuti Mishra
Snow and ice is set to lead to some disruption through Sunday morning, according to Met Office, as the UK is under two amber weather warnings.Here’s today’s forecast:
Rain, sleet and snow feature in Sunday's #4cast ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 4, 2025
Here is an overview at the day ahead pic.twitter.com/f4aHqUf6KR
Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow and freezing temperatures?
03:00
Alexander Butler
Baby boy dies after A1 car crash in icy conditions
02:00
Alexander Butler
Snow mapped: Where freezing weather will hit UK this weekend with up to 40cm snowfall forecast
01:00
Alexander Butler
UK braced for power cuts amid heavy snow and freezing rain
00:01
Alexander Butler
Rail problems in Devon, Wiltshire and Shropshire
Saturday 4 January 2025 23:31
Simon Calder
On the trains, Great Western Railway says severe weather in the Dawlish area of south Devon is delaying trains by up to half an hour and causing the odd cancellation.
GWR also warns that most rail replacement buses in the Westbury area – deployed because of engineering work – won’t run because of heavy snow.
The rail link between Shrewsbury and Chester has been blocked by a landslip at Gobowen in Shropshire, with buses running instead between the two stations as well as to Wrexham.
What is freezing rain and why is it dangerous?
Saturday 4 January 2025 23:00
Alexander Butler
Avon and Somerset Police warn against travel
Saturday 4 January 2025 22:50
Alexander Butler
Avon and Somerset Police has urged residents to travel only if necessary amid “significant” road disruption across the area.
Writing on X, the force said: “Weather warnings are in place with snow and ice affecting the region. There is significant road disruption, particularly in parts of Somerset. Please only travel if necessary.”
Weather warnings are in place with snow and ice affecting the region.
— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) January 4, 2025
There is significant road disruption, particularly in parts of Somerset. Please only travel if necessary.
Follow @metoffice for weather updates. For travel, follow @HighwaysSWEST and @TravelSomerset. pic.twitter.com/vQimAr0eAQ
Flight cancellations extend into Sunday from Bristol airport
Saturday 4 January 2025 22:45
Simon Calder
Planes, pilots and passengers are all out of position after the large-scale diversions of flights arriving at Bristol airport on Saturday evening. At least 17 arrivals have flown to different UK airports, as far away as Manchester, because of heavy snow.
A spokesperson for the airport said: “The Bristol Airport team are working hard on snow clearing but challenging weather means that flight operations have been suspended until later tonight.
“This will mainly impact inbound flights but any concerned customers are advised to contact their airline for more information.”
The airport is outside the Met Office “amber weather warning” area, but it is relatively high: around 200 metres above sea level.
As a result of the closure, Sunday flights are certain to be disrupted even if the snow is quickly cleared.
The 6am KLM departure to Amsterdam has been delayed by five hours, and the 9am flight cancelled altogether.
Ryanair’s 8.55am departure to Alicante has been grounded. Further cancellations are likely.
Wiltshire Police warn against travel amid snowfall
Saturday 4 January 2025 22:25
Alexander Butler
Wiltshire Police has warned residents against travelling unless necessary amid heavy snowfall across the county.
Writing on X, the force said: “The weather has turned very quickly and causing chaos all over the county, do not travel unless absolutely necessary!
“Otherwise you could find yourself having a long cold night roads being closed due to amount of incidents.”
#SRSU #RoadSafety in County.
— Wiltshire Specials (@wiltspolicesc) January 4, 2025
The weather has turned very quickly and causing chaos all over the county, do not travel unless absolutely necessary! Otherwise you could find yourself having a long cold night roads being closed due to amount of incidents.#snowfall pic.twitter.com/PBpG4yTZhu
Collision on M5 amid snow warnings
Saturday 4 January 2025 22:03
Alexander Butler
A collision was reported on the M5 as the motorway was closed to traffic amid warnings of freezing temperatures and heavy snow.
Traffic was stopped on the M5 southbound between J24 Bridgwater and J25 Taunton due to the collision earlier this evening, National Highways said.
Traffic has been stopped on the #M5 southbound between J24 #Bridgwater and J25 #Taunton due to a collision
— National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) January 4, 2025
Please be patient we'll update you when we have more information pic.twitter.com/0oev7mWC5w
Dublin Airport’s snow and ice teams on stand-by
Saturday 4 January 2025 22:00
Tara Cobham
A spokesman for Dublin Airport said its snow and ice teams are on stand-by to treat surfaces as required and to respond to any issues that arise.
“As always, passengers seeking updates regarding specific flights should contact their airline directly,” it said on social media.
“Those travelling to Dublin Airport over the weekend should allow plenty of time for their journey.”
Cold and wintery weather, with the chance of some sleet and snow, is forecast for the Dublin region over the coming days. ️
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) January 4, 2025
Our snow and ice teams are on standby to treat surfaces as required and to respond to any issues that arise. ❄️
As always, passengers seeking updates… pic.twitter.com/bcwFt9aYxR
Snow chaos at Bristol airport
Saturday 4 January 2025 21:31
Simon Calder
As of 9.30pm on Saturday evening, Bristol airport has seen 17 diversions. The first two were easyJet arrivals from Grenoble and Geneva, which flew to London Gatwick and Luton respectively.
Jet2 sent planes arriving from the Canary Islands to Cardiff and Birmingham. The West Midlands airport has received eight Bristol diversions so far.
The longest diversion was a later easyJet flight from Geneva, which went to Newcastle. At least 10 flights have been cancelled so far as a result of the snow.
KLM cancelled its late-evening arrival from Amsterdam, as well as the early Sunday morning flight. The return legs are also grounded.
Three round trips – to Belfast, Paris and Barcelona – were cancelled by easyJet on Saturday evening.
In a statement posted on its website, the airport said: “Snowfall at Bristol may result in some delays to flights.“Customers are asked to contact their airline for the latest flight information.”
Forecasters warn of school closures in Ireland and travel chaos
Saturday 4 January 2025 21:00
Tara Cobham
Forecasters have said that depending on snow accumulations in Ireland on Monday, schools could remain closed there as the sub-zero temperatures stretch into next week.
Met Eireann has also warned that the cold snap will create difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility.
They have said it will lead to very difficult travelling conditions, with disruption to public transport, air, rail and bus services, difficult conditions underfoot and animal welfare issues.
Explained: What is rare freezing rain set to hit UK?
Saturday 4 January 2025 20:00
Tara Cobham
Rare freezing rain is forecast to hit the UK this weekend.
The phenomenon is a rare type of liquid precipitation that strikes a cold surface and freezes almost immediately.
The Met Office has explained it in more detail:
As well as snow we're expecting freezing rain this weekend.
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 3, 2025
Find out more about freezing rain https://t.co/1fiH4lvHGZ pic.twitter.com/DqRCJtlUzQ
Mapped: Where snow will hit UK this weekend
Saturday 4 January 2025 19:00
Tara Cobham
Nine weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office with snow and ice set to strike the UK, as temperatures plummet over the first weekend of 2025.
Two amber weather warnings have been issued, including a warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday until 12pm on Sunday, covering most of the Midlands, Wales and parts of northern England.
Another amber snow warning will be issued across northern England and parts of the Midlands from 9pm on Saturday until the end of Sunday.
Here are all the weather warnings mapped:
In pictures: Parts of country already blanketed in white as more snow on its way
Saturday 4 January 2025 18:00
Tara Cobham
Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow and freezing temperatures?
Saturday 4 January 2025 17:00
Tara Cobham
Temperatures are dropping across the UK with snow weather warnings in place.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cold weather health alerts for all of England remain in place ahead of a week of low temperatures.
With this news, many will be thinking about how this chilly weather may affect our pets.
Camilla Foster reports:
Met Office’s forecast for this evening as disruption likely
Saturday 4 January 2025 16:45
Tara Cobham
The Met Office has forecast rain, sleet and snow will move northeastwards across much of the UK this evening.
The weather service warned disruption is likely in places.
Rain, sleet and snow will move northeastwards across much of the UK this evening, with disruption likely in places ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/eqKJ6nx5SM
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 4, 2025
Public urged to take ‘extra care’ as Ireland braces for severe weather
Saturday 4 January 2025 16:13
Tara Cobham
The public has been urged to take extra care this weekend following warnings of a “multi-hazard weather event” due to hit Ireland on Saturday.
It comes as the Government’s national emergency co-ordination group (NECG) met on Saturday to prepare for the severe weather forecast across the country.
Taoiseach Simon Harris was also briefed by the emergency director about their plans.
Snow, ice, heavy rain and sleet are to sweep over the island of Ireland as temperatures continue to plummet.
Amber snow and ice warnings in place in two hours’ time
Saturday 4 January 2025 15:51
Tara Cobham
Amber snow and ice warnings will be in place in two hours’ time.
The Met Office has issued the weather warnings for large parts of England and Wales from 6pm this evening through into Sunday.
Amber snow and ice warnings start from 6pm this evening, through into Sunday for large parts of England and Wales
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 4, 2025
Stay tuned to the forecast and latest warnings https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs ⚠️@TheRAC_UK @NationalHways pic.twitter.com/upKkAbtjG5
RSPCA warns householders that salt and antifreeze kill pets
Saturday 4 January 2025 15:31
Tara Cobham
The RSPCA has warned householders that antifreeze and salt can be poisonous to pets – as snow and freezing temperatures are forecast to sweep the UK this weekend.
Amber severe weather warnings for ice and snow have been issued for parts of England and Wales amid a cold snap gripping the country.
Most of the Midlands, Wales, and parts of northern England will be covered by an amber warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday until noon on Sunday.
My colleague Jane Dalton reports:
Horse racing at Sandown Park in Surrey 'abandoned due to frozen ground’
Saturday 4 January 2025 15:10
Tara Cobham
Horse racing at Sandown Park in Surrey was abandoned on Saturday, with the racecourse saying the weather meant there “would not be sufficient time for the ground to become raceable”.
In a statement posted on social media, the racecourse added: “Following this morning’s inspection, sadly racing today has been abandoned due to frozen ground.”
Racing today has been abandoned after our morning inspection. pic.twitter.com/EevpPSsRV6
— Sandown Park (@Sandownpark) January 4, 2025
Met Office forecasts cold conditions across UK this afternoon including snow
Saturday 4 January 2025 14:50
Tara Cobham
The Met Office has forecast cold conditions across the UK this afternoon, including the arrival of snow in some parts.
In a post on X, the weather service said: “Most places dry and cold this afternoon, with freezing fog patches persisting across Northern Ireland.
“Wintry showers in the north and west, most frequent in the far north.
“Thicker cloud with rain, sleet and snow arriving into southwest England and Wales.”
Most places dry and cold this afternoon, with freezing fog patches persisting across Northern Ireland ️
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 4, 2025
Wintry showers in the north and west, most frequent in the far north ️
Thicker cloud with rain, sleet and snow arriving into southwest England and Wales ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/BmqPB0NfAi
Further weather warnings could be issued for start of next week
Saturday 4 January 2025 14:30
Tara Cobham
Further weather warnings could be issued for the start of next week as the plummeting temperatures are expected to continue.
Milder air will briefly cover some southern areas during the weekend before a new northerly flow allows colder conditions to return across the UK next week, the Met Office said.
Deputy chief forecaster Dan Holley said temperatures would remain below average with some areas struggling to get above freezing for several days.
Sporting fixtures called off due to bad weather
Saturday 4 January 2025 14:10
Tara Cobham
Some football games have been called off, while Saturday’s race meeting at Newcastle has been abandoned because the course is frozen.
The cancelled football matches include Cheltenham’s clash with League Two leaders Walsall, which was due to take place on Saturday, Halifax’s National League home game against Fylde, which was also set for Saturday, while Friday night’s Scottish Championship game between Airdrie and leaders Falkirk did not take place.
Councils across London and southern England activate emergency measures
Saturday 4 January 2025 13:50
Tara Cobham
Councils across London and southern England have activated emergency measures.
This includes additional accommodation to help rough sleepers stay safe during the cold snap.
Emergency team meeting as Ireland braces for ‘multi-hazard weather event’
Saturday 4 January 2025 13:31
Tara Cobham
The government’s Emergency Planning Team is holding a meeting as Ireland braces for a “multi-hazard weather event”, which is due to hit the country later on Saturday.
Snow, ice, heavy rain and sleet are to sweep over the island of Ireland as temperatures continue to plummet.
A series of weather warnings will come into effect, with status orange snow and ice warnings issued for Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.
Read the full story here:
Cold weather alerts remain in place across England meaning likely rise in deaths
Saturday 4 January 2025 13:30
Tara Cobham
Cold weather health alerts for all of England remain in place ahead of a week of low temperatures.
Amber alerts were issued on Thursday and will run until 8 January, meaning a rise in deaths is likely, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
Risk of rare freezing rain leading to ‘treacherous and extremely dangerous’ conditions
Saturday 4 January 2025 13:10
Tara Cobham
The Met Office has warned of a risk of rare freezing rain leading to “treacherous” and “extremely dangerous” conditions in places.
The weather service’s chief forecaster Jason Kelly: “There is a risk of freezing rain across parts of the Midlands and northern England, but especially Wales, adding to the risk of ice and leading to some treacherous conditions in places.
As the super-cooled rain droplets hit the surface they instantly freeze, covering everything in a layer of ice, making it extremely dangerous.”
He predicted some “significant accumulations” of snow are possible in parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England, and the additional factor of strengthening winds could lead to drifting of lying snow.
Drivers urged to take care as snow and ice hit UK
Saturday 4 January 2025 12:50
Tara Cobham
National Highways has warned a “spell of disruptive snow” would spread across southern and central parts of the road network on Saturday night.
Drivers in high-altitude areas, particularly the Cotswolds and Peak District, were warned to take particular care. Gwent Police issued a warning for black ice on Friday.
Road users in England’s north were warned up to 25cm of snow could hit parts of the network including the A66 Old Spittal, A628 Woodhead Pass and M62 at Windy Hill.
Three hillwalkers rescued after walking through blizzard in freezing temperatures
Saturday 4 January 2025 11:30
Tara Cobham
Advice for drivers in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Saturday 4 January 2025 10:45
Travel correspondent Simon Calder
With weather warnings covering most of the UK at various times over the weekend, the AA says: "Proceed with caution and allow plenty of space between you and the car in front to account for increased stopping distances. Take warm layers and keep at least a quarter of a tank of fuel or adequate EV charge in case of unexpected delays.”
Traffic Scotland has warnings to motorists in place right through to Monday morning, saying: "Road users are advised to drive with care due to low temperatures and the risk of ice currently affecting driving conditions on many roads.” Temperatures reached a low of minus 8.6C in Aboyne in Aberdeenshire overnight.
The Met Office is warning of the possibility of stranded vehicles because of snow across the Midlands and northwest of England, and Wales – with a foot of snow possible on high ground in mid and north Wales, and even more over the Pennines. Meanwhile Traffic Wales warns that between Saturday evening and Sunday lunchtime: “Snow and freezing rain will likely lead to disruption to transport and some other services.”
In Northern Ireland, Trafficwatch NI says up to four inches of snow is possible over the Mournes, Sperrins and Antrim Hills, with ice an additional hazard.
Even when Monday arrives, the AA predicts it will receive at least 14,000 callouts on Monday, the first working day of the year for many people. The expected figure is 50 per cent higher than an average Monday, because many drivers will be returning to vehicles left unused over the festive period during a severe cold snap. On the equivalent day last year (Tuesday 2 January 2024), the AA was called to more than 5,000 vehicles that wouldn’t start or had a flat battery.
