Weather in the UK – forecast and advice for drivers

Staying safe on the road starts with staying informed on the latest weather in the UK.

Here, we bring you the latest updates from the Met Office alongside our own expert guidance to help you prepare for whatever the skies have in store for you.

Whether it’s sharp overnight frosts, persistent rain, strong winds, or blistering heat, changing conditions can have a real impact on how your car performs and how you should approach your journey.

As the weather shifts, so should your driving habits. From understanding how reduced visibility affects stopping distances to knowing when it’s best to delay a trip altogether, we’ll walk you through the key steps to stay safe and confident behind the wheel.

We’ll also highlight simple vehicle checks that make a significant difference in poor conditions, ensuring your car is ready to handle the elements.

Think of this driving in the UK guide as your go‑to companion for navigating the UK’s often unpredictable climate.

UK weather forecast

With 2026 just a day away, we have the weather forecast for the first few days of new year.

As we head into the New Year, conditions are expected to turn more unsettled and increasingly wintry.

A snow and ice warning is already in place, and further alerts are likely as colder air moves in in Scotland and northern England.

For now, high pressure continues to dominate, keeping the weather largely calm but on the chilly side. Over the next couple of days this pattern holds, bringing cold, settled conditions for many areas.

It is set to remain mostly dry, with a mix of cloud and bright spells. A few showers may crop up along eastern coasts, while northern Scotland will see cloud building later in the day, accompanied by patchy rain and strengthening winds.

New Year’s Eve should stay fairly quiet for much of the UK, although Scotland will turn windier with scattered showers.

As we move into New Year’s Day, temperatures drop further.

Showers in northern Scotland are expected to turn increasingly wintry, with the potential for snow as a brisk, possibly gale‑force, northerly wind develops.

A yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued, with notable accumulations possible by Friday morning (2^nd January).

The UK Health Security Agency has also announced an amber cold‑weather alert for the North East and North West of England until 5 January, with the rest of England under a yellow alert for the same period.

Sometimes, these weather forecasts mention storms in the UK. If so, it is important to check the latest data and make sure that your vehicle is in the best condition possible to drive in those conditions. In some cases, you should only travel when absolutely necessary.

Driving advice for upcoming weather forecast

With colder air moving in and the risk of snow, ice and strong northerly winds increasing, drivers should take extra care on every journey.

Wintry conditions can reduce grip, extend stopping distances and make roads unpredictable, especially in northern areas expecting accumulations of snow.

A few simple precautions can make a significant difference to your safety and confidence on the road:

• Slow down and leave extra space to account for reduced traction on icy or snowy surfaces.
• Check tyres, lights and windscreen wipers before setting off, ensuring your car is ready for poor visibility and slippery roads.
• Plan your routes carefully, favouring main roads that are more likely to be gritted.
• Pack winter breakdown essentials such as warm clothing, a torch and a fully charged phone in case of delays.
• Avoid unnecessary trips during severe weather warnings, especially when snow and ice are expected overnight.RAC Drive’s winter driving section has many helpful guides on the best practices and car maintenance to do during these colder months.