Hundreds of school closures remain in place across the UK today as snow, ice and freezing temperatures continue to cause major disruption, following multiple weather warnings issued by the Met Office.
With many pupils due to return to school after the festive break, severe winter conditions have led to full closures, delayed openings and partial shutdowns, particularly across Scotland, where the weather has been at its worst.
Why are schools closing across the UK?
Schools are closing largely due to unsafe travel conditions, with heavy snow, icy roads and sub-zero temperatures making it difficult for staff, pupils and school transport to operate safely.
The Met Office currently has amber warnings for snow in parts of northern Scotland, alongside yellow warnings for snow and ice covering large areas of the UK.
Amber warnings indicate a strong likelihood of severe impacts, while yellow warnings suggest that some disruption is likely, particularly to travel.
⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️
A spell of heavy snow across northern and central Scotland
Tuesday 1100 – 1900
Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/RMBcvv2lJF
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 5, 2026
YELLOW WEATHER WARNING
❄️ SNOW & ICE across N/E Scotland.
⌚️ In place on Tuesday 6th January until 23:59hrs.
➡️ Snow & ice is likely to bring further disruption, particularly across central & northern mainland Scotland.
Full @metoffice info: https://t.co/AxQWz6xGuQ pic.twitter.com/5VgXxhKWuY
— Amey NE Trunk Roads (@NETrunkRoads) January 6, 2026
Forecasters warn that temperatures are expected to remain around or below freezing for several days, increasing the risk of ice forming on untreated roads and pavements during the morning commute.
Which areas are seeing the most school closures?
Scotland has seen the highest number of school closures, with hundreds of schools either fully shut or operating on reduced hours. The most affected areas include Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
In Aberdeen city, schools and early learning centres are opening later than usual, with doors opening at 11am and breakfast clubs cancelled.
Many schools in Moray are closed entirely, while pupils in island communities such as Shetland and Orkney are experiencing an unexpected extra day off.
The Met Office warns that parts of the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides could receive up to 30cm of snow.
Reports on social media suggested snow depths of around 14cm in parts of Aberdeenshire as early as Sunday morning.
Are schools closed elsewhere in the UK?
Elsewhere, yellow weather warnings stretch across much of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This includes the Midlands, the North East and North West of England, the South West, East of England, large parts of Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as southern Scotland.
In these areas, closures are more localised. Many schools remain open but are closely monitoring conditions, with some opting for delayed starts or advising parents to check for last-minute updates.
Local authorities have stressed that decisions are being made on a school-by-school basis, depending on road conditions and staffing levels.
How is transport disruption affecting families?
Transport disruption has added to the challenges facing families returning to work and school.
ScotRail has warned of ongoing disruption on routes around Aberdeen and Inverness, while Network Rail Scotland said several key lines are unlikely to run until at least midday due to heavy and drifting snow. These include the Aberdeen–Dundee, Aberdeen–Inverness and Inverness–Wick/Thurso routes.
Air travel has also been affected. Loganair cancelled several flights from Aberdeen and Inverness airports, while Liverpool John Lennon Airport temporarily closed its runway on Monday morning due to wintry conditions, warning passengers of delays and cancellations.
What health warnings are in place during the cold snap?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold health alert for England, which remains in place until Tuesday.
The alert is designed to warn of the increased health risks posed by prolonged cold weather.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said the cold could have serious consequences for vulnerable people.
“The forecast temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
People are being urged to keep homes warm where possible and to check regularly on elderly neighbours, relatives and friends.
What is the police advice on travel?
Police Scotland has urged drivers to avoid unnecessary journeys, particularly in areas under amber weather warnings.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell warned that road conditions could deteriorate quickly, especially overnight and during early morning hours, and advised motorists to plan ahead, allow extra time and drive according to the conditions if travel is unavoidable.
