Merseyside Encounters Its First Snow of 2026: A Weather Warning from the Met Office
As the dawn breaks over Merseyside, residents are greeted by a stunning blanket of snow, with more wintry showers anticipated throughout the day. Today, Sunday, the region is experiencing snowfall that is settling on the ground, prompting the Met Office to issue a yellow weather warning for snow and ice that will remain in effect for much of the day.
A representative from the Met Office stated, "Snow showers are expected to move further inland across Wales, parts of northwest England, the West Midlands, and southwest England as the evening approaches. While coastal areas may see some rain and sleet, the inland regions will predominantly experience snow."
The spokesperson further elaborated, "Although not every location within the warning area will receive snow, many places could see 1-3 cm accumulate by Monday morning, with certain areas, especially in the higher and inland parts of Wales, potentially receiving 5-8 cm. Additionally, icy patches are likely to form widely, creating hazardous conditions."
Images shared with the ECHO from Aigburth and Everton this morning depict a picturesque scene of snow covering the landscape. The ECHO will continue to provide live updates on the weather conditions in Merseyside and the broader northwest region. If you have captured any photos of the snow in your area, we encourage you to share them with us!
Does Your Area Have Snow?
Snow has blanketed large portions of the UK today. You can check our interactive snow forecast map to see if your location is among those affected.
A Pup's First Encounter with Snow
How adorable is this? A reader sent in delightful pictures of Finnegan, an 11-month-old puppy, reveling in his first experience of snow. We would love to see your snow photos, especially those featuring your furry friends!
What to Expect According to the Met Office
The Met Office has provided some essential advice regarding the expected weather changes:
- Travel Disruptions: Expect longer journey times on roads, buses, and trains due to the weather.
- Safety Concerns: Be cautious of potential injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.
- Icy Conditions: Many untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths may have icy patches.
Sefton Park's Lake Freezes Over
Temperatures have plummeted this weekend, leading to stunning scenes like the frozen lake at Sefton Park, shared by a local resident.
Chilly Conditions at the Southport Half Marathon
Who’s up for a run? Despite the icy conditions, hundreds participated in the Southport half marathon this morning. Kudos to all the runners! An ECHO photographer was present to capture the event, and a full photo story will be available later today.
Breaking News: Met Office Adjusts Weather Warning
The Met Office has announced that its snow and ice weather warning has been moved up, now starting at midday instead of the previously scheduled 3 PM. This adjustment is due to anticipated snow showers that could impact areas in north Wales and northwest England earlier in the afternoon. The warning will remain in effect until midday on Monday.
Snow Reaches North Sefton
The snow has now reached north Sefton, with reports of a light covering. Fortunately, the ongoing Southport half marathon has not been disrupted by the weather.
Arctic Air Brings Cold Weather
According to Neil Armstrong, the chief forecaster at the Met Office, "With Arctic air enveloping most of the UK, we can expect very cold weather to persist throughout the weekend. Some areas may experience overnight temperatures dropping into double figures below zero, while daytime highs may struggle to exceed 0°C. This cold spell could extend well into next week, with additional weather warnings likely. It’s crucial for everyone to stay updated on the latest forecasts and plan accordingly."
A Beautiful View of Our City
Check out these stunning images sent in by locals, showcasing the breathtaking view of our city from a snowy Everton brow this morning.
Dogs Enjoying the Snow
Have you taken your pet out to enjoy the snow? We’d love to see your pictures!
Snow Settles in Everton
This morning, Everton is blanketed in snow, creating a beautiful winter scene.
Merseyrail Advises Passengers
Merseyrail has advised travelers to check for service updates before heading out. The travel provider has noted that the Met Office's yellow weather warning for the Liverpool City Region on January 4 and 5 may impact train services.
Today's Weather Outlook for Merseyside
The Met Office forecasts that Merseyside will experience wintry snow showers throughout much of Sunday, with snow already reported in various parts of the region.
Good Morning!
Welcome to our live coverage as snow begins to fall across Merseyside. Some areas have awakened to a light layer of snow, and we will keep you updated on today’s weather and any travel disruptions caused by this morning’s snowfall.
