Scotland Faces Snow and Ice Warning

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across most of Scotland. This alert is in effect from Thursday afternoon until Friday midday, with potential for travel disruption and icy conditions.
By Newsroom | Scotland, Weather |

Warnings issued by the Met Office predict travel disruption and hazardous conditions across the country.

Key Details:

  • Alert Type: Yellow weather warning for snow and ice.

  • Coverage: Almost the entire country of Scotland.

  • Duration: From Thursday afternoon (February 13, 2026) until Friday midday (February 14, 2026).

  • Expected Conditions: Cold temperatures, icy surfaces, potential for disruptive snow showers, and travel hazards.

Background

Scotland is facing a significant weather event as the Met Office has issued a widespread yellow warning for snow and ice, in effect from Thursday afternoon to Friday midday. This alert covers nearly all of Scotland, signalling the potential for considerable travel disruption and hazardous conditions across the nation. The current forecast follows a period of persistent rain and gloomy weather, suggesting a sharp change to colder temperatures with the arrival of Arctic air.

Read More: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Scores Winning Goal on Celtic Debut

The warnings are specifically addressing the risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces, as well as dangers for motorists and pedestrians due to ice patches forming on untreated roads and pavements. Forecasters indicate that some areas could experience significant snowfall, particularly over higher ground, with the potential for accumulation reaching up to 10cm (approximately 4 inches) in certain locations. This influx of wintry weather comes as part of a broader pattern affecting northern England as well.

Snow and ice warning issued for the whole of Scotland - 1

Weather Details and Forecasted Impacts

The Met Office has activated a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across Scotland. This alert is scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM on Thursday, February 13, 2026, and will remain in place until 12:00 PM on Friday, February 14, 2026. The warning encompasses a vast majority of Scotland, highlighting the extensive reach of the anticipated wintry conditions.

Predicted Conditions

  • Temperature Drop: Forecasters anticipate a sharp decrease in temperatures from Thursday afternoon, leading to freezing conditions.

  • Ice Formation: Icy patches are expected to form readily on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths. This is particularly concerning in areas where snow may have melted and then refrozen overnight.

  • Snowfall: While the most significant snow accumulation is likely over higher ground, lower-lying areas are also expected to experience some snow cover.

  • Estimates suggest 2–5 cm (about 1-2 inches) of snow could fall above 200 meters.

  • Locations exceeding 300 meters might see up to 10 cm (around 4 inches) of snowfall.

  • Travel Disruption: The combination of snow showers and icy roads is predicted to cause travel delays and make journeys more hazardous.

  • Risk of Injury: Forecasters have warned of an increased risk of injuries due to slips and falls on slick surfaces.

Affected Regions

The yellow warning is broadly applied across Scotland. Specific areas mentioned in related reports include:

Read More: Brisbane Faces Flood Risk After Hot Weather and Storms

Snow and ice warning issued for the whole of Scotland - 2

  • Southwest Scotland, Lothian, and Borders

  • Dumfries and Galloway

  • Central, Tayside, and Fife

  • Highlands and Eilean Siar

  • Orkney and Shetland

  • Clackmannanshire

  • Perth and Kinross

  • Argyll and Bute

  • East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire

Previous Weather Events in Scotland

This latest warning follows a series of recent weather alerts that have affected Scotland. Reports from the past few months indicate a recurring pattern of wintry conditions:

DateEvent TypePrimary ImpactCoverageNotes
Feb 2, 2026Snow & Strong WindsFresh snowfall, travel disruptionMainland Scotland, Orkney, ShetlandPotential for over 10cm snow on higher ground; strong winds could cause blizzard conditions.
Jan 13, 2026IceIce on untreated surfacesMost of mainland Scotland (Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Tayside, Fife, Dumfries and Galloway)Ice formed where snow had melted and refrozen; preceded by days of snowfall and followed by flooding in some areas due to melting snow/rain.
Nov 17, 2025Snow & IceTravel impactScotland and northern England; central belt, southern ScotlandScattered showers of rain, sleet, and snow; heavier snow on higher ground roads anticipated.

Read More: Hearts and Hibernian Play Match: Key Moments Explained

These past events underscore a consistent pattern of winter weather impacting Scotland, with multiple warnings issued for snow, ice, and associated travel difficulties.

Snow and ice warning issued for the whole of Scotland - 3

Expert Analysis and Public Advisory

The Met Office, the UK's national weather service, is responsible for issuing these weather warnings. Their advisories are based on detailed meteorological analysis and forecasting models.

"Arctic air has brought a snow and ice warning across Scotland following weeks of rain and gloomy weather. The weather alert comes into force at 4pm on Thursday and remains in place until midday on Friday and covers almost the whole country." - STV News

"Forecasters said there is a risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces as temperatures drop overnight. Forecasters have issued a yellow warning for snow covering the whole of Scotland. The snow is likely to be most prevalent over high ground, but lower areas could also see some cover." - The Herald

Read More: UK Weather Changes: Rain to Snow and Ice

The "Yellow Warning" designation signifies that severe weather is possible and that people should be aware of the potential for disruption. The Met Office advises the public to:

Snow and ice warning issued for the whole of Scotland - 4

  • Stay updated on weather forecasts.

  • Be prepared for potential travel delays.

  • Take extra care when venturing outdoors, especially on untreated surfaces.

  • Check on vulnerable friends, family, or neighbours.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The current yellow weather warning for snow and ice across Scotland, beginning Thursday afternoon and concluding Friday midday, signals a significant period of winter weather. The Met Office's alert highlights the likelihood of disruptive snow, icy conditions, and a heightened risk of travel delays and injuries. This forecast is consistent with a pattern of recent wintry events that have affected the country.

The immediate implication is for residents and travelers in Scotland to heed the warnings and prepare for hazardous conditions. This involves:

Read More: Jim Wallace, Lord Wallace of Tankerness, Dies at 71

  • Monitoring further Met Office updates.

  • Making necessary adjustments to travel plans.

  • Taking precautions to stay safe on potentially icy surfaces.

Further monitoring will be required to assess the precise impact of the snow and ice and to determine if any follow-up actions or further advisories are necessary.

Sources:

Read More: Kashmir Valley Gets Snow, Roads and Flights Affected

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the snow and ice warning be in effect?
The warning starts on Thursday afternoon, February 13, 2026, and ends on Friday midday, February 14, 2026.
Q: What kind of weather is expected?
Expect cold temperatures, icy roads and paths, and some snow showers. Snowfall may be heavier in higher areas.
Q: What are the main risks?
There is a risk of travel delays and people could slip and fall on icy surfaces.
Q: Which parts of Scotland are affected?
Almost the entire country is covered by this yellow weather warning.