04/01/2026 – Weather in Cornwall – Yellow Weather Warning For Snow & Ice

Published On: 4 January 2026Last Updated: 4 January 2026By CornishStuff

Snow and Ice Could Disrupt Travel Overnight Across the South West

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for snow, ice and icy conditions, covering parts of Wales, southwest England and neighbouring areas, with impacts possible from Saturday evening through to Monday lunchtime.

Snow and Ice Warning Into Monday

A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place from 3.00pm today, Sunday 4th January, until 12.00pm on Monday 5th January.

The Met Office says snow showers are expected to move further inland during Sunday evening. Coastal areas may see rain or sleet, while inland locations are more likely to see snow. Not every place in the warning area will be affected, but 1 to 3 cm of snow could build up in many areas by Monday morning, with 5 to 8 cm possible in a few locations, especially inland and at higher elevations.

Icy stretches are expected to form widely, particularly on untreated surfaces.

Ice Warning Earlier in the Weekend

A separate yellow warning for ice is in effect from 4.00pm on Saturday 3rd January until 12.00pm today, Sunday 4th January.

According to the Met Office, showers of sleet and snow, mainly over higher ground, may lead to icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths. While many places are likely to see little snow accumulation, several centimetres are possible over higher ground, including parts of Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor.

Possible Impacts

The Met Office warns that the conditions could lead to:

Longer journey times by road, bus and train
Some roads and railways being affected
A risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
Icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths

Advice for Travelling Safely

People are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys. The Met Office recommends checking road conditions and public transport updates before travelling and adjusting plans if needed.

Those walking or cycling are advised to stick to main roads where surfaces are more likely to have been treated. Drivers are encouraged to carry essentials in case of delays, including warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, an ice scraper or de-icer, and a phone charger.

The Met Office also advises staying up to date with the latest forecasts, as weather warnings can change.

Why the Warning Is Yellow

Both warnings are classed as yellow, meaning they have a medium likelihood and low impact, but disruption is still possible, particularly overnight and into Monday morning.

South West England weather forecast

Headline:

Frost and ice lingering with wintry showers in places.

Today:

Another cold day with sunny spells and wintry showers. Snow accumulations are possible in places, mainly over the Moors, with eastern counties remaining mostly dry. Lighter winds, though feeling cold. Maximum temperature 5 °C.

Tonight:

A mixture of clear periods and scattered wintry showers this evening and overnight, these leaving a covering of snow and icy stretches in places. Skies clearing later and turning frosty. Minimum temperature -6 °C.

Monday:

Remaining similar with scattered snow flurries, these primarily across Devon and Cornwall. Sunny intervals too, these most prolonged in eastern counties. Staying very cold with icy stretches persisting in places. Maximum temperature 5 °C.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:

A frosty start on Tuesday, then mainly dry but some rain and hill snow is possible later. Gradually turning somewhat less cold and more unsettled on Wednesday and Thursday.

Updated: 04:00 (UTC) on Sun 4 Jan 2026