UK Snow and Ice Warnings: Met Office Alerts for This Weekend

Snow and Ice Warnings Issued Across UK as Temperatures Plummet

Large swathes of the United Kingdom are bracing for wintry conditions this weekend as the Met Office has issued snow and ice warnings. The alerts cover areas from Scotland and northern England to more southern regions, with potential for travel disruption and health risks.

Yellow weather warnings are currently in force for parts of northern England and Scotland, beginning at 4pm on Friday, February 13th and extending into Saturday, February 14th. A separate ice warning covers the remainder of England, including southern and South West England, and Wales, also active between 4pm Friday and 8pm Friday.

Forecasters are warning that a second snow and ice warning for northern England and Scotland will come into effect at 9pm on Saturday, continuing into Sunday morning. This indicates a prolonged period of challenging weather conditions across much of the country.

The cold snap is being driven by an Arctic maritime air mass, bringing significantly colder temperatures after weeks of unusually wet weather. The Met Office notes that the start of 2026 has been marked by a “blocking pattern” leading to record-breaking rainfall in many areas. January saw 26 weather stations set new monthly records for rainfall, and Northern Ireland experienced its wettest January in 149 years.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a cold health alert, beginning today, February 13th, and lasting until 8am on Monday, February 16th. The alert covers central and northern areas and warns that vulnerable individuals could be at increased risk, potentially leading to “minor impacts” on health services due to increased demand.

Snowfall amounts in Scotland could reach a few centimetres even at lower elevations, with up to 2 to 5 centimetres possible on hills above 300 metres, and potentially 10 centimetres in some locations. In northern England and the north Midlands, snow is expected at low levels, though settling is not anticipated below 200 metres. Higher ground could see 2 to 5 centimetres, with isolated locations above 300 metres potentially receiving up to 10 centimetres.

These conditions are likely to cause disruption to travel, particularly on routes across the Pennines and in areas of Derbyshire and Cumbria. Untreated roads and pavements are also expected to become treacherous due to the combination of snow and ice.

While the current focus is on the cold and wintry weather, a change is expected on Sunday as a weather front sweeps in from the west. This front is forecast to bring more rain, strong winds, and further snow in northern areas.

Aberdeen recently broke a long spell of gloomy weather, ending a 21-day period without sunshine – the longest such streak since 1957. The city finally saw sunshine earlier this week, offering a brief respite before the arrival of the current cold snap.

The Met Office advises those affected by the warnings to prepare for potential travel delays, road and rail closures, and possible power cuts. Individuals are encouraged to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during these challenging conditions.