Snow and ice are set to hit the UK this weekend, with the Met Office also issuing a rare forecast for the hazardous phenomenon of freezing rain.
Following a lengthy spell of wintry temperatures across the UK, the Met Office put yellow weather warnings in force for snow and ice across swathes of northeastern England and have warned commuters to be careful while travelling.
The warnings – which stretched from Newcastle to Bradford – were in place from 6am until 2pm on Saturday, while the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a cold weather alert covering parts of North East England, Yorkshire and the Humber.
Cold temperatures are set to persist across the UK this weekend, with some heavier rain also forecast in southern Wales and southwestern England.
The icy conditions are expected to have minor impacts on health and social care services, and will pose a greater risk to the lives of vulnerable people, the UKHSA warns.
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said that 2 to 5cm of snow is possible over the Cheviots and North Yorks Moors, with localised accumulations also possible at lower levels.
Key Points
- Met Office issues weather warning for snow and ice
- What is the rare phenomenon of 'freezing rain'?
- Health authorities issue cold weather alert and warn of potentially fatal risk
- Mapped: Where are Met Office alerts in force?
Met Office warn travellers to be 'extra careful'
17:11
,
Holly Evans
The Met Office has warned travellers to be “extra careful” on the roads this evening, as rain is expected to turn to snow in parts of England
Rain is likely to turn to snow at times across parts of East Anglia this evening ❄️
— Met Office (@metoffice) February 15, 2025
Take extra care if you are planning to travel ❄️ pic.twitter.com/1GeeFtHpBV
Will the weather change over the next month?
15:43
,
Holly Evans
As the temperatures increase, the Met Office predicts more unsettled weather in the coming weeks, which could see heavy rain and strong winds.
For the period up until 1 March, their website says: “Atlantic frontal systems likely spread across the UK from the west at the start of this period. These will bring spells of rain to many parts of the UK, although the heaviest rainfall will probably be in western areas.
“Some eastern areas could end up largely dry. Strong winds are also likely at times, especially along coasts. Through the second half of this period, toward the turn of the month, periods of unsettled weather are expected at times, with Atlantic weather systems continuing to move eastwards across the UK - these could bring heavy rain and strong winds at times.
“Some drier, brighter periods with showers are likely between systems. Temperatures will most likely be above average.”
Where freezing rain, snow and ice will hit this weekend?
14:30
,
Holly Evans
Britain is braced for snow, ice and freezing rain this weekend - a rare phenomenon which can bring down trees and ground planes, the Met Office warned.
Alexander Butler reports:
Temperatures set to increase next week
13:34
,
Holly Evans
The Met Office has warned that temperatures are set to increase next week reaching 14 degrees in Belfast and London.
It follows a warning that rare freezing rain could hit parts of northern England along with snow and sleet this weekend, forecasters say.
A yellow snow and ice warning will be in place across the North East, Cumbria and Yorkshire between 6am and 2pm on Saturday, the Met Office said.
Fed up of the cold weather?
— Met Office (@metoffice) February 15, 2025
There are signs of a change later next week, as temperatures are set to rise pic.twitter.com/YsYlc7zGXQ
What is the five day weather forecast?
12:47
,
Holly Evans
Today:
Pulses of rain pushing across the UK, accompanied by hill snow in the east. Potential for icy stretches. Drier and brighter spells across northern Scotland, plus southwest England later. Cold for many, though slightly milder in the far southwest.
Tonight:
Occasional rain and drizzle continuing, mainly in the east with a little hill snow. Fog patches developing under clear spells in the southwest. Drier with some frost across northern Scotland.
Sunday:
A few showers lingering in the east, with further rain into Northern Ireland later. Elsewhere, mainly dry and cloudy. Breezy along coasts. Rather cold, but again milder in the southwest.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Rain pushing into northern and western regions with some hill snow and possible icy stretches. Drier further south and east with some brighter spells. Often breezy. Slowly turning less cold.
When is it too cold to walk your dog?
12:15
,
Holly Evans
Temperatures are dropping across the UK with snow weather warnings in place.
It’s important to prepare our dogs, as well as ourselves, for this forecast.
Read the full article here for all our advice:
Brits wake up to a wet and windy morning
11:39
,
Holly Evans
The Met Office has warned of a wet morning for many across the UK, with ice and snow in high parts of the country.
A wet morning for many with some hill snow in places
— Met Office (@metoffice) February 15, 2025
Cloudy and still feeling cold pic.twitter.com/kpmW35kyj2
2 to 5cm of snow could fall in northern England
10:54
,
Holly Evans
Met Office meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “Through Saturday the rain will move further east and as it does it’ll bump into the colder air, meaning some snow is likely, mainly for parts of northern England, covered by the snow and ice warning.
“Two to five centimetres is possible over the Cheviots and North Yorks Moors, and it’s possible we could see some localised accumulations to lower levels.
“Some freezing rain could affect higher parts of the Pennines for a time too, leading to icy conditions. Some snow is possible outside the warning area, although amounts are likely to be small.”
Temperatures plummet to -9.6C in past day
10:20
,
Holly Evans
Temperatures plummeted to nearly -10C yesterday, according to Met Office data.
Sharing the weather extremes from the past day, the forecaster said temperatures Aviemore, in Scotland’s Cairngorms national park, dropped as low as -9.6C
Kinloss, just 35 miles north, saw the most sunshine.
Love was in the air on Friday ❤️
— Met Office (@metoffice) February 15, 2025
So too was rain (and a little snow) for some of us ️
Here are the Valentine's Day weather extremes pic.twitter.com/oKsCGVGYP2
How to boost your health in cold weather
09:58
,
Holly Evans
As the UK’s cold snap and gloomy weather are expected to persist through the weekend, focusing on our health has never been more crucial.
The Met Office has warned that parts of the country may experience snow this weekend, with the chilly, overcast conditions continuing into the beginning of next week.
Despite the cold, there are many effective ways to enhance your health and wellbeing during these winter months.
Read the full article here:
What is UK forecast for Saturday?
07:01
,
Andy Gregory
Here is the Met Office’s UK forecast for Saturday:
Largely cloudy, cold and fairly breezy with outbreaks of rain. Some snow or freezing rain, chiefly over hills in the north. The far north and southeast seeing the best brightness.
Looking further ahead, the forecaster says:
Mostly cold and cloudy on Sunday and Monday with rain at times, especially in the north and west. Some hill snow. Brightening up from the south on Tuesday. Often breezy.
Advice for driving in snowy weather
06:01
,
Andy Gregory
The National Highways has this advice for driving in snowy or icy conditions:
- Stick to the main roads where you can and only travel if necessary.
- Slow down - it can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions.
- Use a high gear - this will help avoid wheel spin.
- Accelerate gently, using low revs. You may need to take off in second gear to avoid skidding.
- You may need up to 10 times the normal gap between your car and the car in front.
- Try not to brake suddenly – it may lock up your wheels and you could skid further.
- Be extra cautious at road junctions where road markings may not be visible.
Why is freezing rain dangerous?
05:00
,
Andy Gregory
The weight of the ice that encases surfaces as a result of the phenomenon of freezing rain can sometimes be heavy enough to bring down trees and power lines – and the glaze of ice on the ground effectively turns roads and pathways into an ice rink, according to the Met Office.
It can also prove extremely hazardous for aircraft, with the chance of icicles forming across the wings of an airplane.
The ice is very clear, often referred to as black ice, because it is so difficult to see, making it treacherous for pedestrians and drivers.
As the super-cooled rain droplets hit the surface they instantly freeze, covering everything in a layer of ice, making it extremely dangerous.
What is freezing rain?
04:02
,
Andy Gregory
The phenomenon of freezing rain - commonly known as ice storms in North America - is not often seen in the UK because the conditions needed for it are quite specific, according to the Met Office.
Freezing rain is rainfall that has become “supercooled” as it falls from the sky, travelling through various temperatures in the atmosphere.
It starts as snow, ice, sleet or hail high up in the atmosphere, but as it travels down it melts through a layer of warmer air, then refreezes again through a layer of colder air near the surface.
It can produce striking effects, as the rain drop spreads out momentarily across the surface before it freezes, encasing the surface in a layer of clear ice.
Alexander Butler reports:
Met Office issues weather warning: What to expect
03:00
,
Andy Gregory
In its weather warning, which is in force from 6am until 2pm on Saturday in northeastern parts of England, the Met Office states:
Outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow are likely to develop early Saturday before easing from the west during the afternoon. Snow is more likely to the east of the Pennines, particularly above 150 metres, where 2-5 cm may accumulate over the North York Moors and Northumberland.
To lower levels, any falling snow may struggle to accumulate though some places may see up to 2 cm before gradually easing during the afternoon. There is also a risk of ice over the Pennines, particularly above 200 metres where freezing rain is possible.
'A wet morning for many': Met Office graphic illustrates chilly start to Saturday
02:02
,
Andy Gregory
A wet morning for many with hill snow and the risk of freezing rain in the north ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) February 14, 2025
Cloudier elsewhere and still feeling cold pic.twitter.com/XZpOtXttBr
Watch: Simon Calder issues half-term holiday price warning
01:02
,
Andy Gregory
With the Met Office warning of travel disruption as a result of the forecast snow and ice this weekend, our veteran travel correspondent Simon Calder also has the following warning for anyone seeking a half-term getaway to warmer climes.
How to boost your health in cold weather
00:01
,
Andy Gregory
As the UK’s cold snap and gloomy weather are expected to persist through the weekend, focusing on our health has never been more crucial.
Despite the cold, there are many effective ways to enhance your health and wellbeing during these winter months.
By boosting your immune system, staying active, and fuelling your body with seasonal foods, you can maintain vitality even when the temperatures drop.
Camilla Foster has more details:
How cold will it be on Saturday across UK?
Friday 14 February 2025 22:59
,
Andy Gregory
The picture across the UK remains chilly even at the height of the day tomorrow, with only parts of South West England in which the mercury is approaching double-digits.
Flood warnings in force in England
Friday 14 February 2025 21:56
,
Andy Gregory
With a band of rain hitting the UK in addition to chilly temperatures, the Environment Agency is warning of flooding in southern England.
The agency has issued three flood warnings – where flooding is expected – and a further 28 lesser alerts in areas where flooding is possible.
No flood warnings have been issued by the relevant agencies in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
What is next week's weather forecast?
Friday 14 February 2025 20:54
,
Andy Gregory
According to the Met Office:
The cold air will still be close by through Sunday and Monday. Southern parts of the UK will be mostly dry but cloudy, but further north rain, drizzle and some hill snow will continue in places.
Brighter conditions with spells of sunshine are likely to develop for many areas on Tuesday before milder and more unsettled conditions begin to move in from the Atlantic during the second half of next week.
Health authorities issue cold weather alert and warn of potentially fatal risk
Friday 14 February 2025 19:55
,
Andy Gregory
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a cold weather alert covering parts of North East England, Yorkshire and the Humber.
Cold temperatures are set to persist across the UK this weekend, with some heavier rain also forecast in southern Wales and southwestern England.
The icy conditions are expected to have minor impacts on health and social care services, and will pose a greater risk to the lives of vulnerable people, the UKHSA warns.
According to the UKHSA, the icy conditions are expected to have minor impacts on health and social care services, including:
- increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people
- greater risk to life of vulnerable people
UK weather map: Where freezing rain, snow and ice will hit this weekend
Friday 14 February 2025 18:56
,
Andy Gregory
Britain is braced for snow, ice and freezing rain this weekend - a rare phenomenon which can bring down trees and ground planes, the Met Office warned.
Alexander Butler reports:
Graphic shows thick band of rain passing over western UK this evening
Friday 14 February 2025 17:58
,
Andy Gregory
Out and about this Valentine's evening? You might want to grab your umbrella! ☔
— Met Office (@metoffice) February 14, 2025
Check out the latest radar for your area before you head out pic.twitter.com/S2jiZYTbIg
Snow also possible outside warning areas, Met Office says
Friday 14 February 2025 17:12
,
Andy Gregory
Met Office chief meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said: “Through Saturday the rain will move further east and as it does, it’ll bump into the colder air meaning some snow is likely, mainly for parts of Northern England, covered by the snow and ice warning.
“2 to 5cm is possible over the Cheviots and North Yorks Moors, and it's possible we could see some localised accumulations to lower levels.
“Some freezing rain could affect higher parts of the Pennines for a time too leading to icy conditions. Some snow is possible outside the warning area, although amounts are likely to be small.”
What is Friday's forecast?
Friday 14 February 2025 16:56
,
Andy Gregory
Here is the Met Office forecast for Friday:
Today
Rather cloudy and windy across Northern Ireland, south and west Wales as well as southwest England, with some outbreaks of rain. A few showers in the far northeast. Elsewhere, early frost clearing then dry with bright spells. Another cold day.
Tonight
Patchy rain moving northeast across the UK, giving some snow and perhaps freezing rain over some of the hills. Clear spells across the far north and southeast, with some frost.
What to expect as Met Office issues weather warning
Friday 14 February 2025 15:56
,
Andy Gregory
The Met Office has issued a weather warning for snow and ice, which it says could lead to some disruption on Saturday.
Forecasters say to expect:
- Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services
- Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
- Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
What is freezing rain?
Friday 14 February 2025 15:49
,
Andy Gregory
The Met Office has warned that freezing rain could be possible in areas above 200m over the Pennines.
Freezing rain – commonly known as ice storms in North America – is not often seen in the UK because the conditions needed for it are quite specific.
It is rainfall that has become “supercooled” as it falls from the sky, travelling through various temperatures in the atmosphere.
It starts as sleet or hail high up in the atmosphere, but as it travels down it melts through a layer of warmer air, then refreezes again through a layer of colder air near the surface.
The effects can be visually striking, but also very hazardous if taking place on roads or pavements.
Full report: Weather warning for snow and ice issued in parts of UK over weekend
Friday 14 February 2025 15:41
,
Andy Gregory
A yellow weather warning for ice and snow has been issued across parts of the UK this weekend.
Alexander Butler has more details in this report:
Mapped: Where has weather warning been issued?
Friday 14 February 2025 15:36
,
Andy Gregory
The Met Office has issued a weather warning for snow and ice, stretching from above Newcastle in the north, to Bradford further south.
Met Office issues weather warning for snow and ice
Friday 14 February 2025 15:33
,
Andy Gregory
A weather warning for snow and ice has been issued in northeastern England, and will be in force from 6am to 2pm on Saturday.
The Met Office has warned of up to 5cm of snow the North York Moors and Northumberland, with the potential for lesser accumulations in lower areas.
There is also a risk of ice over the Pennines, particularly above 200 metres where freezing rain is possible, forecasters said.
Friday 14 February 2025 15:30
,
Andy Gregory
Good afternoon, we’ll be using this blog to bring you the latest UK weather updates as the Met Office issues weather warnings for snow and ice.
