People across the Highlands are being urged to prepare for wintry conditions as the New Year begins, with snow and ice warnings issued and colder weather set to take hold.
According to the Met Office, a shift to more unsettled conditions will bring snow showers, icy roads and strong northerly winds to northern Scotland as 2026 arrives.
High pressure will keep conditions settled but cold over the next few days, with clear skies allowing temperatures to drop sharply overnight, particularly across Highland and island areas.
Forecasters say a widespread frost is likely in the north, with inland and upland areas seeing the lowest temperatures.
Tuesday is expected to remain mostly dry, with sunny spells and patchy cloud, although eastern coastal areas may see a few showers, before cloud thickens later in the day across northern Scotland bringing rain and strengthening winds.
New Year’s Eve is forecast to stay largely settled for many, but conditions will turn increasingly windy across the Highlands, with showers becoming more frequent and temperatures falling as the year turns.
By New Year’s Day, showers are expected to turn to snow across much of northern Scotland, particularly over higher ground, with a strong or gale force northerly wind making it feel bitterly cold.
A yellow national weather warning for snow and ice has been issued, with the Met Office warning of potentially significant accumulations by Friday morning and the risk of travel disruption on Highland roads.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said the north of Scotland is likely to feel the effects first.
“It certainly looks like we are in for a taste of winter as we welcome in the New Year, initially in the north, but more widely across the UK for the first week of 2026.
“Arctic air and strong northerly winds will bring cold or very cold conditions, and it will feel especially cold in the strong winds.
“A yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for northern Scotland on New Year’s Day and beyond, where frequent and heavy snow showers may lead to some travel disruption.
“These colder conditions and wintry hazards will develop more widely as we enter the New Year, with more warnings for snow and ice likely.”
Forecasters say the cold spell could last through at least the first week of January, with residents advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.
Health officials have also warned that colder weather can pose risks to vulnerable people, with advice to check in on older relatives, neighbours and those with existing health conditions.
With icy conditions likely on untreated roads and pavements, people across the Highlands are being urged to plan journeys carefully and take extra care outdoors.
The Met Office says winter weather can be particularly difficult to predict in Scotland, where elevation, coastal exposure and wind direction can make the difference between rain and snow.
For Highland communities, the message is clear that winter has arrived early in 2026, bringing snow, ice and freezing temperatures just as the New Year begins.
