Wednesday, January 7, 2026 – Hundreds of schools remain shuttered today as a relentless Arctic blast continues to grip the UK. While some regions are beginning to thaw, extreme ice and a major incident declaration in the north have kept classrooms empty for thousands of students.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Regional Breakdown of Disruptions
The impact of the cold snap varies significantly by region, with Scotland and Northern Ireland facing the brunt of the weather:
- Scotland: Aberdeenshire Council has declared a major incident, closing all schools and nurseries. The Highlands and Moray are also seeing widespread closures due to deep snow and the risk of rural isolation.
- Northern Ireland: Nearly 200 schools faced disruption earlier this week; many rural campuses remain closed today as black ice makes bus routes impassable.
- England and Wales: While many schools have managed to reopen, localized closures persist in North Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. Many of these are due to secondary issues like burst pipes or failing heating systems rather than snow.
Met Office Warnings & The Arrival of “Goretti”
The weather outlook remains precarious as the UK prepares for a transition from ice to wind:
- Active Warnings: Yellow warnings for ice remain in place for much of the country, with snow warnings specifically targeting Northern Scotland through the end of today.
- Storm Goretti: Forecasts indicate that Storm Goretti will arrive late Thursday, January 8. This “multi-hazard” storm is expected to bring a dangerous mix of 70mph winds and heavy rain, which could lead to flooding as the current snow begins to melt rapidly.
Summary Table: Key Impact Areas
| Region | Primary Reason for Closure | Status |
| Aberdeenshire | Major Incident / Road Safety | Closed (All schools) |
| Highlands | Heavy Snow / Transport Issues | Partial Closures |
| Northern Ireland | Treacherous Ice | Significant Disruption |
| Northern England | Heating Failures / Ice | Localized Closures |
Note to Parents: Headteachers are making hour-by-hour decisions regarding Thursday’s opening times based on the incoming storm. Please monitor your local council’s website for the most “up-to-the-minute” information.
