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Cold, snow and ice

Last updated
25 Mar 2026

Snow and ice can:

  • cause frozen or burst pipes
  • create transport disruption
  • impact your health and wellbeing
  • increase the risk of illness and falls
  • increase the risk of flooding when the snow thaws

Preparing for cold weather

Check your local weather forecast and national weather warnings on the Met Office website.

You can keep up to date with weather warnings in your area by:

You can also:

Prepare your home

Find tips on how to make your home warmer on the Home Energy Scotland website.

Using gas heaters and boilers more in winter can raise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Have regular gas safety checks and fit a carbon monoxide alarm. Find out how to keep your home safe on the gov.scot website.

Check if you are eligible for any grants or benefits on the mygov.scot website. These may help you make your home energy efficient or manage your energy bills.

Looking out for others

Anyone can become unwell when the weather is cold. However, some people are more at risk. This includes:

  • people aged 65 and over
  • people with underlying health conditions
  • children (particularly aged 5 and under)

Find out more about how cold weather affects health and who’s at risk on the NHS Inform website.

Check in on people who need extra help. Only do this if it’s safe to do so. You can:

  • pick up extra food, water, toiletries or any medications they need
  • make sure they have important phone numbers written down
  • keep in contact by phone or visit them

Staying safe in cold weather

If you lose power

Call 105 free of charge to:

  • report the problem
  • get updates on when your power will be restored

You can also report a power cut on the Power Cut 105 website.

Find out how to stay safe during a power cut on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.

If a pipe freezes

Find advice about frozen or burst pipes on the Scottish Water website.

Keeping warm

Keep yourself warm in cold weather by:

  • trying to heat your home to a temperature that’s comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use
  • wearing several layers of thin clothing instead of one thick layer
  • wrapping up warm when you go outside – wear a hat and gloves and shoes with a good grip to avoid slips and falls

Find out how to stay warm in cold weather on the NHS Inform website.

Travel

Cold, snow and ice can cause dangerous travel conditions.

Keep yourself safe by following the latest travel advice from official sources.

If you must travel:

  • plan ahead
  • allow extra time for your journey
  • tell someone your destination and when you plan to arrive
  • pack an emergency kit and charge your phone before you go
  • have one or more emergency contact numbers on your phone or in your bag

Check traffic information

Check live traffic information on Traffic Scotland or by phone.

Traffic Scotland Customer Care Line

0800 028 1414
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Calls to 0800 numbers are free.

Other travel information

Read more about travelling in heavy snow and ice on the Met Office website.

Find out which roads have been gritted on the Traffic Scotland website.

Be prepared for rain and flood disruption.

Driving

If you must drive, make sure your car is ready for poor weather. For example, check your:

  • fuel – make sure you have enough for your journey
  • tyre treads – the minimum depth is 1.6 millimetres
  • tyre pressure – if tyres are worn or incorrectly inflated then they have less grip
  • lights – make sure they are working and in good condition
  • wipers – make sure the blades are not worn and can clear the windscreen correctly

Get winter tyres, snow chains or snow socks if you need to drive in snow and ice. Find out more about different types of winter tyres on the Traffic Scotland website.

Keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of you. Stopping distances can be 10 times greater in cold and icy conditions. Find out more about driving in winter on the Traffic Scotland website.

Public transport

Severe weather can disrupt public transport. Be prepared for delays. Take warm clothing, food and a hot drink in a flask.

Check if your service is affected at Traveline Scotland online or by phone. Or check directly with your public transport operator.

Phone Traveline Scotland

0141 465 1878
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find out about call charges on GOV.UK.

Walking

If you’re walking:

  • make sure someone knows your route and when you plan to arrive
  • wear clothing that is visible in the dark
  • stay off frozen waterways – make sure children are aware of the dangers and keep pets off icy water

Learn more about ice safety on the Water Safety Scotland website.

Cycling

If you’re cycling:

  • wear a helmet
  • wear bright and light reflective clothing
  • use heavy duty tyres
  • have a good set of mudguards
  • get a routine bike maintenance check

Get advice on how to cycle in winter on the Met Office website.

Clearing pavements

Clear and grit paths and pavements if you can. Clearing fresh snow is easiest. Make sure you:

  • avoid using hot water – it could quickly turn to ice
  • do not cause an obstruction or conceal a hazard with piled up snow
  • wear warm waterproof clothing and shoes with a good grip
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