The national forecaster warns that areas may be ‘cut off’ as fresh amber weather warnings are announced.
10:43, 04 Jan 2026Updated 11:21, 04 Jan 2026
The Met Office has issued new amber weather warnings as snow blankets Scotland.(Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
The winter freeze seems to be far from over as the Met Office has issued new amber weather warnings as “disruptive” snow is expected to cause havoc across Scotland this evening. The national forecaster is urging Scots to keep themselves and others safe as the conditions become “dangerous”.
Originally, the yellow weather warning for snow and ice blanketing the majority of the country was expected to end at noon on Monday 5. However, this has now been extended until midnight as icy conditions are predicted to go into Tuesday morning, causing disruption to travel and risk of injury.
On top of this, the Met Office is warning that frequent heavy snow showers are expected to batter Grampian, the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland, as well as Angus in new amber weather warnings. People in rural communities are being warned that there is a “good chance” that they could become “cut off” and should prepare accordingly.
These blindingly white conditions are set to begin at 6pm tonight, December 4, and travel into December 5 until around 10am. Scots in these areas are also being warned that they could experience temporary blizzards due to strong winds hitting the falling snow.
The amber warnings add that further accumulations of around 5-10cm of snow are likely to fall fairly widely, with a few places in mainland Scotland seeing 20-30cm. Therefore, it is important that you only travel if necessary during this time.
The Met Office warns that people in rural communities may end up being ‘cut off’.(Image: Met Office)
These snowy, wintry conditions are likely to cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. The Met Office urges that if you must travel it is important to pack some essentials with you in case of an emergency.
This includes warm clothing, water, a blanket, a torch, de-icer or ice scraper, a warning triangle, high visibility jacket and in-car phone charger.
On top of this, with power cuts likely, it is important to make sure you have phones and batteries charged up in case your home is left in the dark.
Additionally, the Met Office has added a new yellow warning for Tuesday. While East Lothian and the Scottish Borders are still expected to see cases of scattered snow showers and icy patches until 11am on Tuesday, December 6, the rest of central Scotland and the north are predicted to be hit with snow and ice until 11:59pm.
Chief forecaster for the Met Office, Neil Armstrong, said: “With Arctic air now covering most of the UK very cold weather will continue through the weekend, with minus double figures overnight in places and daytime temperatures struggling to rise above 0°C for some.
“It looks like this cold spell could last well into next week and wintry hazards will continue with more weather warnings likely. It is therefore important people keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings and plan ahead.”
As this deep freeze continues to settle over Scotland, it is important to make sure you check in on vulnerable neighbours and family members to make sure they have everything they need.
George Fiddes from Transport Scotland also warned: “Particularly cold weather is expected this week which is likely to impact driving conditions in the areas covered by the yellow warning, so our advice to motorists is to plan your journey, leave extra time if needed and drive to the conditions.
“There may also be disruption on other modes of transport, so please check with your operator before setting off if you’re planning to travel by rail, ferry or air.”
Areas impacted by new amber warnings from December 4
Central, Tayside & Fife
Grampian
- Aberdeen
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
Highlands & Eilean Siar
Orkney & Shetland
- Orkney Islands
- Shetland Islands