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 has now put yellow weather warnings in force for snow and ice across swathes of northeastern England.
Those warnings – stretching from Newcastle to Bradford – are 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?
What is next week's weather forecast?
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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?
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
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?
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
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.
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.
