Leeds snow: Forecast for Leeds as wintry start to 2026 expected - dates snow is forecast to fall

BBC Weather is forecasting a cold start to 2026 for Leeds, as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold health alert for Yorkshire and The Humber.

The BBC forecast for Leeds on January 6 shows, “light snow and light winds”, with “sleet and a gentle breeze” predicted for January 2, 7, 8 and 9.

It is currently too early to say for certain whether we will see snow on these dates. The Met Office say pinpointing snowfall requires short-range analysis and confidence typically increases within a few days of an event.

Met Office Yorkshire and Humber forecast Tuesday December 30 to Saturday January 3

Today (December 30)

Mostly dry, with variable cloud, light winds and some good spells of sunshine. There may be some showers and blustery winds along the coast at times. Maximum temperature 6 °C.

Tonight (December 30)

Staying dry, with cloud dissipating overnight to leave generally clear skies. Temperatures will quickly drop, with widespread frost expected overnight. Minimum temperature -4 °C.

Wednesday (December 31)

A dry day, with plenty of sunshine and light winds. Strong winds developing in the evening, and rain spreading in overnight, falling as snow over the high ground. Maximum temperature 5 °C.

Outlook for Thursday (January 1) to Saturday (January 3)

Mostly dry on Thursday with sunny spells. Outbreaks of snow possible on Friday and Saturday, particularly along the coast. Very cold throughout, with strong winds expected at times.

Met Office long-range forecast

January 3 to January 12

“Northerly winds will bring a spell of very cold, wintry conditions to much of if not all of the UK through at least the early part of this period. These will bring snow showers to areas that are exposed to onshore winds. Subtle day-to-day changes in wind direction will change the places most exposed to the showers, but where they occur some significant accumulations of snow are likely. There are likely to be some more coherent bands of sleet and snow working south, and these may bring a risk of more prolonged and widespread wintry precipitation affecting some inland areas. Things become less certain by the second week of January, however it's possible the cold conditions may persist with an ongoing risk of winter hazards across much of the UK.”

January 13 to January 27

“High pressure will probably be close to the UK at the start of this period, perhaps most likely centered to the west, and whilst this may allow relatively settled and dry conditions with a risk of frost and fog initially, there will be the chance of some occasional wet weather at times, perhaps more especially in the north and east. Given some relatively cold air close to the UK, this may bring the chance of some wintry hazards in places. Towards mid-month, there is the potential for rather more changeable conditions to develop more widely, although confidence in this aspect of the forecast is currently low.”

Yellow cold health alert issued for Yorkshire and The Humber

The UKHSA yellow cold health alert is in place for Yorkshire and The Humber until 12:00 on January 5.

The alert reads: “There is potential for significant impacts across health and social care services, including: a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. We may also see impacts on younger age groups, a likely increase in demand for health services, impacts on the workforce affecting delivery of services and challenges keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18°C leading to more risk to vulnerable people.”