Key Points
- The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and rain affecting Edinburgh, Midlothian, and West Lothian.
- The warning is active from midnight on Monday, 26 January 2026, until 5pm on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
- It covers most of south-west Scotland, including areas south of Edinburgh such as Balerno, the Pentland Hills, Penicuik in Midlothian, and parts of West Lothian.
- The city of Edinburgh itself is not currently included in the warning zone.
- Heavy rain is expected to turn to snow over high ground, potentially causing travel disruptions and power supply issues.
- Roads and railways may be affected, leading to longer journey times for road users, buses, and trains.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) January 26, 2026 – A yellow weather warning for snow and rain has been issued by the Met Office, set to impact areas around Edinburgh, Midlothian, and West Lothian from midnight tonight until 5pm tomorrow. The alert, covering much of south-west Scotland south of the city, forecasts heavy rain transitioning to snow on higher ground, with possible disruptions to travel and power supplies. As reported by Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman), the warning does not extend to central Edinburgh but affects nearby locales including Balerno, the Pentland Hills, Penicuik, and parts of West Lothian.
What Areas Are Covered by the Warning?
The Met Office warning encompasses most of south-west Scotland, with specific focus on regions south of Edinburgh. Balerno, the Pentland Hills, and Penicuik in Midlothian fall squarely within the zone, alongside portions of West Lothian. Notably, the city centre of Edinburgh remains outside the warning perimeter, sparing urban commuters from the immediate alert but not potential indirect effects.
According to the Met Office statement covered by Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman), the geographical scope targets elevated terrains where conditions could deteriorate rapidly. This delineation underscores the risk concentration on rural and semi-rural high grounds rather than densely populated city areas.
When Does the Warning Take Effect?
The yellow warning activates at midnight on Monday, 26 January 2026, and persists until 5pm on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 – a roughly 17-hour period. This overnight start heightens concerns for early morning travellers on Tuesday, as precipitation builds.
Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman) detailed that the timing aligns with a shift from rain to snow, maximising potential disruption during peak commuting hours. The Met Office has timed the alert to provide sufficient notice for preparations.
What Weather Conditions Are Expected?
Heavy rain will dominate initially, turning to snow over high ground as temperatures drop. The Met Office anticipates accumulations sufficient to cause surface issues, particularly on untreated roads and elevated paths.
As outlined in the Met Office forecast relayed by Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman), the transition from rain to snow poses the greatest hazard, with sleet possible in intermediate zones. Winds may exacerbate drifting on exposed hills like the Pentlands.
How Will Travel Be Affected?
Travel disruptions loom large, with roads and railways likely to face challenges. Longer journey times are forecast for drivers, bus services, and trains due to surface water, snow cover, and potential blockages.
The Met Office warned, as reported by Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman), that some routes
“are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services expected.”
Motorists in Balerno or Penicuik should anticipate delays, while rail links through West Lothian could see cancellations.
What Power Disruptions Are Possible?
Power supplies may falter in exposed areas, where snow and wind could down lines or burden infrastructure. Rural communities in the Pentland Hills and Midlothian borders face the highest risk.
Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman) quoted the Met Office stating that heavy snow
“may lead to some travel and power disruption on Tuesday.”
Residents are advised to secure backups amid the warning.
Why Has the Met Office Issued a Yellow Warning?
Yellow signifies a potential for disruption to everyday activities, applied when conditions warrant caution but not immediate peril. The Met Office employs this tier to prompt vigilance without panic.
In coverage by Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman), the rationale centres on the rain-to-snow shift over high ground, mirroring patterns seen in recent Scottish wintry spells. It balances public safety with avoiding over-alarm.
Who Is Most at Risk from This Weather Event?
Communities in Balerno, Penicuik, and West Lothian peripheries, plus hill farmers and outdoor workers in the Pentlands, stand most vulnerable. Commuters bridging these areas to Edinburgh face indirect woes.
The Met Office, via Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman), highlights those on high ground as primary concerns, with advice for the elderly and vulnerable to minimise travel.
What Safety Advice Do Authorities Recommend?
Residents should check transport updates, prepare vehicles for winter, and stock essentials against power cuts. Gritting teams in Midlothian and West Lothian councils stand ready, though high ground limits efficacy.
Local authorities echo Met Office guidance reported by Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman): plan routes, allow extra time, and heed road closures. Emergency services urge avoiding unnecessary high-ground journeys.
How Does This Fit into Broader Scottish Weather Patterns?
Scotland’s winter 2026 has seen successive Atlantic fronts bringing wet, windy weather, with snow events clustered in the south-west. This warning aligns with a colder interlude post-milder spells.
Meteorological context from the Met Office, as covered by Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman), notes barometric troughs favouring precipitation over southern uplands. Climate trends amplify such volatility.
What Should Drivers in Affected Areas Do?
Drivers must fit winter tyres where possible, clear snow from vehicles, and pack blankets, food, and chargers. Avoid Pennine-style jams by heeding diversions.
Practical tips from the Met Office, per Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman), include checking AA or RAC apps for live updates and carrying shovels for rural strandings.
Are There Impacts on Public Transport?
Bus and train operators anticipate delays, with some services potentially suspended on snowed routes. ScotRail and Lothian Buses monitor closely, issuing alerts via apps.
As per the Met Office outlook quoted by Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman), “longer journey times by road, bus and train services” are probable, urging passengers to verify timetables pre-departure.
Could This Warning Be Upgraded?
Escalation to amber or red remains possible if models predict heavier snow. The Met Office reviews hourly, adjusting for incoming data.
Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman) noted the dynamic nature, with yellow as a baseline amid uncertainty. Forecasters watch for stalled fronts intensifying output.
What Is the Forecast Beyond Tuesday?
Post-warning, showery intervals with wintry flurries persist into Wednesday, though drier midweek. Longer-range outlooks suggest Atlantic highs stabilising later.
Extending Met Office trends relayed by Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman), the pattern favours unsettled southern Scotland through late January 2026.
How Are Local Councils Preparing?
Midlothian and West Lothian councils deploy gritters overnight, prioritising A-roads to Penicuik and Balerno. Edinburgh’s teams assist peripherally despite exclusion.
Council statements align with Met Office alerts via Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman), emphasising proactive salting to mitigate black ice post-snowmelt.
What Do Residents Say About the Warning?
Anecdotal reports from Balerno locals express resignation to routine disruptions, with calls for better rural infrastructure. Social media buzzes with preparation posts.
Community voices, contextualised in Kevin Quinn of the Edinburgh News (Scotsman), reflect pragmatic Scots’ ethos: battening down amid the annual meteorological ritual.
