Met Office Issues Critical Weather Warnings as UK Battles Arctic Cold and Climate Records
Introduction: The Met Office’s Dual Role in UK Weather and Climate
The Met Office, the United Kingdom’s national meteorological service, plays a vital role in protecting lives and livelihoods by providing accurate weather forecasts and climate predictions. In early January 2026, the Met Office has issued multiple severe weather warnings as the UK experiences extreme winter conditions, whilst simultaneously releasing concerning data about long-term global temperature trends. Understanding these forecasts is crucial for public safety and planning in an era of increasing climate variability.
Severe Winter Weather Grips the UK
Arctic air continues to bring very cold weather, with Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings remaining in place across the UK. A string of four Amber warnings for snow are in force across parts of the northern half of Scotland, indicating significant disruption to daily life. In the north of Scotland, snow showers are expected to become more frequent with some locations seeing a further 20-30 cm accumulate by early in the week.
Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong warned that Arctic air covering most of the UK will bring very cold weather through the weekend, with minus double figures overnight in places and daytime temperatures struggling to rise above 0°C for some. The severe conditions have prompted health alerts, with risks to vulnerable populations including increased danger of heart attacks and strokes.
Record-Breaking Climate Data for 2025 and Beyond
Despite the current cold snap, provisional Met Office figures show 2025 has been both the warmest and sunniest year on record for the UK. 2025 surpassed the previous record set in 2022, in a series dating back to 1884. This demonstrates how short-term weather events do not contradict long-term climate trends.
Looking ahead, the Met Office outlook for global average temperature in 2026 suggests an extension of the run of years with a value above 1.4°C compared to pre-industrial levels. The average global temperature for 2026 is forecast to be between 1.34°C and 1.58°C above the pre-industrial period, making it likely one of the four warmest years on record.
Conclusion: Preparing for Weather Extremes and Climate Change
The Met Office’s work highlights the distinction between weather and climate: while the UK currently battles Arctic conditions, the broader trajectory shows a warming planet. An attribution study conducted by the Met Office estimates that human-induced climate change has made the UK’s record-breaking annual temperature of 2025 approximately 260 times more likely. As both extreme cold events and long-term warming continue, staying informed through Met Office forecasts and warnings remains essential for public safety and preparedness. The agency’s dual focus on immediate weather hazards and long-term climate monitoring provides the UK with critical information for navigating an increasingly volatile climate future.