Published on
November 19, 2025
The United Kingdom is currently grappling with a fierce winter storm that has brought heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, severely disrupting travel, services, and daily life across the nation. With the Met Office issuing widespread weather warnings, regions from Scotland to Cornwall are facing hazardous conditions, including snow accumulations of up to 10cm and icy roads that threaten to cause dangerous travel delays and potential power outages. This drastic shift from the unusually mild weather earlier in the month marks the country’s first major cold snap of the season, forcing authorities to take precautionary measures while urging the public to stay alert and plan accordingly.
Britain is experiencing its first major cold snap of the season, with the Met Office issuing yellow and amber weather warnings for snow and ice across many regions from November 18 to 20, 2025. After an unusually mild start to the month, temperatures are set to plunge dramatically, bringing an abrupt shift to winter conditions. From the rolling hills of Scotland to the coastal shores of Cornwall, hazardous weather is expected, with snow, ice, and freezing conditions potentially disrupting travel, causing power outages, and creating dangerous situations on the roads.
The South West of England is among the worst hit, particularly Cornwall and parts of north and west Devon, where yellow warnings for snow and ice will be in effect from midday on Wednesday, November 19, until midnight on Thursday, November 20. The forecast predicts a sharp drop in temperatures, with conditions reaching freezing (0°C, 32°F) and wintry showers expected to bring snow accumulations of 2-5cm (0.8-2in). Some inland areas, especially those further from the coast, could see as much as 10cm (4in) of snow overnight. These icy conditions will create hazardous travel conditions, with icy roads posing a serious risk to drivers. The Met Office has warned that delays or cancellations to bus and train services are likely, and there could be power cuts in certain areas.
While the South West will see the brunt of this cold front, other parts of the UK are not immune to the wintry blast. Warnings are also in place for Scotland, northern England, Northern Ireland, Wales, the Midlands, and parts of southern England, particularly coastal areas. The timing of these warnings varies, with some areas under alert until 11:00 on Wednesday, November 19, while others will remain in effect until 21:00 on Thursday, November 20. Snowfall is expected to reach 2-5cm in lower elevations, with more than 10cm (4in) possible in higher regions. Northern Scotland, especially, will experience frequent snow showers, and significant snow accumulation is expected in the mountains and upland areas.
With this sudden and severe cold snap, authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution. Police Scotland has advised drivers to ensure their vehicles are winter-ready and prepared for the slippery roads. Transport officials in Scotland are taking extra precautions, having stocked up on 497,000 tonnes of salt—significantly more than was used last winter—and are readying 240 gritters to help spread salt and plough snow on key routes. The country is also bracing for potential disruptions to travel, particularly in rural and mountainous areas where conditions are likely to be the harshest.
November, which has generally been unseasonably mild so far, has seen daytime temperatures remaining comfortably above freezing, with the mercury rarely dipping into the single digits at night. However, this shift marks a stark contrast to last year, when parts of northern Scotland saw temperatures plummet below -10°C. In Braemar, Aberdeenshire, for instance, temperatures hit a chilling low of -11.2°C in 2024. This year’s cold snap is expected to cause similar challenges for communities, especially in the Highlands, where the likelihood of snow accumulation and icy conditions is greatest.
As the cold weather continues through Thursday night, forecasters are urging everyone to stay alert and plan for potentially difficult conditions in the days ahead. The impact of this weather on transportation networks and power supplies is expected to persist, with travel delays and disruptions likely across much of the country. Drivers are being asked to check weather conditions before heading out and ensure that vehicles are properly equipped for winter weather. Those planning to travel by train or bus should also prepare for delays or cancellations, particularly in areas where snow accumulation is heavier.
The United Kingdom is facing a fierce winter storm, with heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures disrupting travel and daily life nationwide. Widespread weather warnings are in effect, urging the public to take precautions as conditions worsen across the country.
Looking ahead, milder conditions are expected to return by the weekend, but until then, the UK must navigate through potentially treacherous conditions. The cold snap is a reminder that the winter season has arrived, and the UK is preparing for another challenging few days of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. For now, residents are being encouraged to keep an eye on local weather warnings, make necessary preparations, and stay safe during this significant shift in the weather.
