Scotland has once again plunged into the grip of a deep freeze — Tomintoul in Moray recorded a bone-chilling –12.6 °C, the coldest November night in the UK for 15 years. This remarkable low comes amid a large-scale Arctic blast sweeping across much of Britain, with forecasters warning of significant snowfall and travel disruption in the days ahead.
A Historic Cold Snap
On the night of 21 November 2025, Tomintoul’s mercury dipped to –12.6 °C, marking a November low not seen since 2010. According to official Met Office data, this is the lowest November reading in the UK in a decade and a half. The record underscores the severity of the current cold wave, which has brought widespread frost, ice, and snow to large parts of northern Britain.
This kind of deep frost so early in the season is unusual. Rather than a slow descent into winter, many parts of Scotland and beyond have been hit with a sudden, sharp freeze that has left roads blanketed in ice and communities scrambling to deal with its effects.
Unsettling Impacts Across Scotland
The cold has already had real-world consequences. More than 100 schools in northern and north-eastern Scotland shut their doors as snow and icy roads rendered travel treacherous. In Aberdeenshire, one double-decker bus even became stuck in the snow, underscoring how quickly things deteriorated for commuters and local services.
Meanwhile, the Met Office issued yellow warnings for ice across large swathes of northern Scotland, heightening the risk for motorists and pedestrians alike. The sharp night-time temperature drop caught many off guard, and the stabilizing high-pressure system in the north is locking in that bitter air.
The cold has also driven concerns about public health. Extended exposure to subzero temperatures is particularly risky for elderly people, very young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Cold-weather alerts have gone out, urging people to check on vulnerable neighbors, layer up, and make sure heating remains functional.
Why It’s So Cold: The Meteorological Picture
At the heart of this freezing spell is a potent combination of Arctic air and high pressure. A strong, stationary high-pressure ridge over northern Europe is acting like a block, funneling frigid air into Britain. In such scenarios, clear skies overnight allow heat to escape rapidly, and without strong wind, the air near the ground cools dramatically — a process called radiational cooling.
In areas like the Highlands, inland Aberdeenshire, and Moray, the conditions have been just right for this: very cold air near the surface, little mixing, and snow already on the ground to reinforce the chill.
Snowfall Builds — The Forecast Looks Bleak
Coupled with the cold, snow is making a serious comeback. Forecasters are warning of up to 25 cm of snow in some areas — especially over higher ground. The Arctic air mass isn’t just cold; it’s also moist enough to generate wintry precipitation in the form of flakes and squalls.
Northern Scotland is expected to see continued snow showers, particularly over mountainous terrain. The snow cover is deepening in places, and this is not just a dusting: winter conditions are reasserting themselves strongly.
In lower-lying regions, icy morning surfaces and black ice are likely to become recurring hazards. Increased overnight freezing, followed by daytime melting, means that surfaces will notoriously refreeze — raising the risk of slips, accidents, and transport delays.
Disruption & Danger: What People Are Facing
- Transport Chaos: Roads across rural northern Scotland are being stretched to their limits. The combination of snow accumulation, ice, and frigid overnight lows is making driving dangerous. Some routes remain blocked, and local authorities are working overtime to grit and plow.
- School Closures: With dozens of schools shut, families are having to rearrange plans. The sudden school closures point to how unprepared some areas were for this sudden onset of wintry weather.
- Energy Strain: As people crank up heating, demand on energy systems is rising. Cold snaps like this put extra pressure on boilers, pipes (which might freeze or burst), and local utilities. There is also the financial burden on households, especially those already struggling to cope with heating costs.
- Public Health Warnings: Medical services and emergency responders are on alert. Prolonged exposure to such low temperatures can exacerbate chronic conditions, and incidents like slips on ice are likely. Authorities are urging vulnerable individuals to stay warm and reach out for help if needed.
- Communities Grit Their Teeth: In remote regions, locals are bracing for what could be several more days of this arctic regime. Residents are stocking up, checking on elderly neighbors, preparing for power issues, and making extra efforts to stay safe on the roads.
A Sudden Flip: From Mild to Arctic
Interestingly, this deep freeze follows a relatively mild start to the month. Earlier in November, many weather stations recorded unusually warm overnight lows, with recorded mild nights across parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. That contrast makes the severity of this snap even more remarkable — the season has swung, quite literally, from warm to wintry in a very short time.
Such volatility in a transitional month underscores how unpredictable the UK’s weather can be. While a warm spell might lull people into a false sense of security, the sudden arrival of Arctic air shows just how quickly conditions can shift.
Why This Cold Spell Matters
- Early Winter Intensity: This event signals that winter-like conditions are arriving early and with force. For many, it’s a wake-up call to prepare for a potentially challenging season.
- Infrastructure Stress: Snow, ice, and freezing conditions strain transport systems, local councils, and public services — from gritters to emergency responders.
- Health Risks: The combination of prolonged cold, icy surfaces, and vulnerable populations raises serious public-health concerns.
- Economic Pressure: Cold snaps drive up heating usage and costs, which can hit low-income households particularly hard.
- Climate Reflection: While one cold event doesn’t define a climate trend, such extremes highlight that variability remains a key feature of UK weather, even in a warming world.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
- Persistent Cold: The freezing nights are unlikely to end immediately. Even if daytime temperatures rise slightly, the very cold air mass is expected to linger, especially overnight.
- More Snow: Snow showers are forecast to continue over hills and high ground, with fresh accumulation possible.
- Icy Conditions Remain: With refreezing likely, roads and pavements will remain hazardous. Authorities will have to maintain gritting operations.
- Community Response: Local councils, emergency services, and residents will likely stay on alert. This isn’t just a weather event — it’s a public-safety challenge.
- Long-Term Outlook: While the immediate snap is severe, meteorologists will be watching whether this is a one-off or the start of a prolonged cold pattern.
Final Thoughts
The record-breaking –12.6 °C in Tomintoul is more than a weather statistic — it’s a stark reminder of winter’s power. Scotland, often no stranger to cold, is now facing an early-season freeze that is testing infrastructure, resilience, and community cohesion.
As snow deepens and temperatures hover dangerously low, people are being reminded that winter doesn’t wait. For many in the Highlands and Moray, this is a moment to dig out winter coats, check on neighbors, and brace for a sustained battle with the elements.
This November will likely be remembered — not just for its record lows, but for the disruption, risk, and resilience it has brought forth. And as the Arctic air continues to dominate, the UK must stay vigilant: this could just be the beginning.