Weather in Harrogate
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Click Here to Read the Met Office forecast for the next 7 Days Hour by Hour
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Snow Causes School Closures and Disruptions Across Yorkshire
Heavy snowfall has brought widespread disruption to Yorkshire, with multiple school closures, travel issues, and safety warnings amid ongoing cold weather.
Weather Warnings and Conditions
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice:
- In parts of North Yorkshire (including York, Selby, Scarborough, and Ripon), the warning remains in place until 11:00 GMT on Tuesday 6 January.
- A separate warning for West Yorkshire (affecting Leeds, Bradford, and Wakefield) runs from midnight until 11:00 on Tuesday.
Snow has fallen across coastal areas, the North York Moors, and higher ground, leading to icy roads and reduced visibility.
School Closures
North Yorkshire Council reports around 11 schools closed on Tuesday, with many in the Scarborough area. Several schools were also shut on Monday due to unsafe travel conditions in rural and coastal regions.
Additionally, Millthorpe School in York’s South Bank remains closed on Tuesday due to a complete water outage caused by freezing temperatures. The school stated: “Without running water, we are unable to provide a safe environment for pupils and staff.” They are monitoring the situation and apologised for the short notice.
Travel and Service Disruptions
- Traffic slowed on the A171 near Hawsker due to stuck vehicles.
- Waste collections were suspended over the weekend in Scarborough and Whitby; residents are advised to leave bins out.
- Household waste recycling centres in Harrogate West, Ripon, and Leyburn are closed.
Safety Warnings and Winter Activities
Authorities issued urgent warnings after children were seen playing on frozen lakes, including one in York’s Rowntree Park. The Friends of Rowntree Park stressed: “The ice may appear solid, but there are weak patches and it can give way without warning.” North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service highlighted risks of hypothermia.
On a lighter note, the snow enabled safer fun, such as sledging in Robin Hood’s Bay.
Yorkshire & Humber Forecast (Tuesday 6 January – Saturday 10 January)
Headline: Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, sleet, and snow. Increasingly windy.
- Tuesday: Cloudy with patchy rain/sleet and snow on high ground, turning heavier later. Less cold but winds strengthening. Max 4°C.
- Tonight: Bands of rain/sleet and hill snow clearing overnight. Strong winds, frosty with icy patches. Min -2°C.
- Wednesday: Dry and bright with sunny spells, but cloudy with rain/sleet/snow overnight. Max 3°C.
- Thursday–Saturday: Early wintry showers clearing Thursday; risk of heavy snow Thursday night into Friday (low confidence). Brighter and calmer by Saturday.
Stay safe and check local updates for the latest on roads, schools, and services.
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Harrogate and York Face Freezing New Year as Cold Weather Tightens Grip
Harrogate and York are set for a bitter start to 2026 as temperatures plunge across North Yorkshire, with forecasters warning of frost, icy nights and the risk of wintry weather in the days ahead.
While the final days of 2025 will remain relatively calm, colder conditions are expected to arrive from New Year’s Day, bringing a prolonged chill that could impact travel, health services and vulnerable residents across the district.
Harrogate and York Weather Forecast: New Year Period
According to the Met Office, New Year’s Eve will be dry and fine in both Harrogate and York, with daytime temperatures reaching a maximum of 5°C.
Conditions are expected to become noticeably colder by Friday, with highs of just 3°C and overnight temperatures falling to around -2°C, increasing the risk of frost on untreated roads and pavements.
The BBC forecasts similar conditions, with 5°C on Wednesday and a chilly overnight low of 2°C. New Year’s Day is expected to be slightly milder at around 7°C, though light rain may affect parts of the area.
By the weekend, temperatures across Harrogate, York and surrounding villages are forecast to drop further, with daytime highs struggling to reach 2°C and overnight frosts dipping to around -3°C. Looking ahead to Tuesday 6 January, sleet is possible, with temperatures reaching just 3°C.
Wintry Hazards Expected in North Yorkshire
Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud said the current settled weather pattern will soon break down.
“We’re losing these settled but chilly conditions and bringing in something more showery, with increased wintry hazards, particularly across the north of the country,” he said.
Cold Health Alerts and Local Impact
An amber cold health alert has been issued for parts of northern England, while Harrogate and York fall under a yellow cold health alert covering Yorkshire and the Humber.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned temperatures across the region are expected to fall to between 4°C and 6°C, increasing health risks for vulnerable people.
The agency said cold weather can place added strain on health and social care services, with a higher risk of illness among older residents and those with long-term health conditions.
Health Risks for Residents in Harrogate and York
The UKHSA warned that colder temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly among people aged 65 and over.
Other local concerns include:
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Indoor temperatures in care homes and older housing stock falling below recommended levels
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Increased travel disruption due to icy roads, especially in rural and suburban areas
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Pressure on NHS and GP services as demand rises
Residents Urged to Check on Vulnerable Neighbours
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, urged people to take simple steps to protect those most at risk.
“As colder weather sets in, it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable,” he said.
“Low temperatures can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing conditions.”