Schools across the UK remained closed on Tuesday as snow and ice continued to disrupt daily life, forcing hundreds of pupils to stay home for a second day in a row. The severe winter weather has coincided with the return to work and school following the festive break, adding to widespread travel and transport difficulties.
Temperatures across much of the country remained close to or below freezing, with icy conditions creating hazardous roads and pavements. Weather officials warned that the cold spell is expected to persist for several days, bringing continued risks to travel, infrastructure and public safety.
Scotland Hit Hardest by Closures
Scotland has experienced the most significant impact from the winter weather. Hundreds of schools across northern parts of the country remained shut on Tuesday, particularly in Shetland, Orkney and Aberdeenshire. Many pupils in these areas were due to return from the holiday break on Monday but were given an extended closure due to unsafe conditions.
Local councils said decisions to keep schools closed were taken to protect pupils and staff, with snow-covered roads and icy surfaces making travel unsafe in many rural and coastal areas.
Transport Disruption Continues
The snow and ice have also caused ongoing disruption to transport networks. Several flights were cancelled due to poor weather conditions, while some rail services were delayed or suspended as operators carried out safety checks on tracks and overhead lines.
Road conditions remained difficult in many areas, particularly in higher ground and rural regions, where untreated surfaces were affected by compacted snow and ice.
Amber Weather Warnings in Place
Two amber snow warnings were in effect on Tuesday, covering parts of the Scottish Highlands and central Scotland between late morning and early evening. Forecasters said heavy snow was expected to move eastward across central and northern Scotland before easing into wintry showers overnight.
Additional snowfall of between 5 and 10 centimetres was forecast in many areas, with up to 15 centimetres possible on higher ground above 200 metres. The amber warnings highlight an increased risk of serious disruption, including travel delays, road and rail closures, power outages and potential danger to life and property.
Yellow Alerts Cover Much of the UK
Alongside the amber warnings, several yellow alerts for snow and ice remained active across large parts of the UK. These covered Northern Ireland, Wales, much of Scotland north of Glasgow, southwest and northwest England, the Midlands, eastern England and the northeast up to the Scottish Borders.
Weather officials said yellow warnings indicate a strong likelihood of disruption, particularly to travel, with slippery roads and pavements posing risks to pedestrians and motorists.
Cold Conditions to Persist
The Met Office warned that daytime temperatures would struggle to rise significantly, keeping conditions cold and icy even where snowfall eases. Members of the public were advised to take extra care when travelling, allow more time for journeys and stay informed through official weather updates.
Local authorities and emergency services continued to monitor the situation, with further school closures possible if conditions do not improve. Residents were encouraged to check local council websites and school communications for the latest information.
As winter weather tightens its grip across the UK, officials stressed the importance of caution, preparation and patience as communities deal with continued disruption.