UK weather: Boxing Day snow warning as temperatures to plunge to -2C

Strong winds are also expected, with gusts reaching 35 to 45mph in some areas

Snow and strong winds will hit the UK on Boxing Day, forecasters have said.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for parts of Scotland and northern England.

“Snow and strong winds will probably affect some higher elevations, leading to possible disruption, mainly to travel,” the warning said.

Power cuts could hit some areas and could pose a hazard on roads, forecasters added.

Two warnings are in place from 12.15am until midday on 26 December, from Perth to Glasgow and from the Scottish borders down to Leeds.

With an area of rain starting to move northwards, the Met Office has said that it looks likely the downpour will turn to snow over higher terrain in northern England, before moving up towards southern and central Scotland.

Strong winds are also expected, with gusts reaching 35 to 45mph in some places.

Travel warnings have have been issued for the higher Pennine, Cumbrian and Southern Upland routes during the early hours of Sunday.

Forecasters said: “Some roads and railways are likely to be affected by snow or ice, leading to longer journey times by car, as well as by bus and possibly train services.

“Some short-term loss of power and other services is possible.”

The Met Office anticipates blizzard-like conditions could hit areas above 300 to 400 metres elevation, before they move south into hillier parts of Scotland on Boxing Day morning – while snow turns back to rain further south.

The extent of snowfall is uncertain at this stage, forecasters say.

The warning comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a cold weather alert for the festive period and encouraged people to stay warm and to “look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather”.

“It’s important to check on those who are more vulnerable to cold weather, including older neighbours or relatives – especially those living alone or those who have serious illness,” said Agostinho Sousa, a consultant in public health medicine at UKHSA.

“Remind them to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit. It’s also helpful to check they have enough food and drinks and any medicines they need.”

Meanwhile, the chief meteorologist at the Met Office, Frank Saunders, said: “A cold air mass across the north of the UK will mean temperatures could fall as low as -2C in areas of north and east England.

“As a weather front moves up from the southwest we could see snow falling on its leading edge as it meets this cold air, bringing snow and ice risks particularly to higher ground in the north of England. This will be coupled with some gusty winds which means it will feel even colder for many.”

The Met Office has provided a comprehensive list of the regions and local authorities affected by the yellow weather warnings, as follows:

Central, Tayside & Fife

• Clackmannanshire
• Falkirk
• Perth and Kinross
• Stirling

Northeast England

• Durham
• Northumberland

Northwest England

• Cumbria
• Lancashire

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

• Dumfries and Galloway
• Midlothian Council
• Scottish Borders
• West Lothian

Strathclyde

• Argyll and Bute
• East Ayrshire
• East Dunbartonshire
• North Lanarkshire
• South Lanarkshire
• West Dunbartonshire

Yorkshire & Humber

• North Yorkshire
• West Yorkshire

For tips on keeping warm as temperatures drop, see the government’s Keep Warm Keep Well guide.