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What do the warning colours mean?
Red warning
- Dangerous weather is expected and, if you have not done so already, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather.
- It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure.
Amber warning
- There is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans.
- This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property.
Yellow warning
- Yellow warnings can be issued for a range of weather situations.
- It is important to read the content of yellow warnings to determine which weather situation is being covered by the warning.
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UK weather warnings
Amber warning
Snow
05:00
Thu 20
UTC
21:00
Thu 20
Frequent wintry showers, leading to significant snow accumulations, are likely to cause disruption on Thursday
What should I expect?
- Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers
- Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
- There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off
- Some delays and cancellations to train and buses services are likely
What should I do?
Further detail
Frequent wintry showers will feed inland from the North Sea, giving significant snow accumulations over the North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds. By the end of Thursday, as much as 15-25 cm may have accumulated on hills above 100 m elevation, which is likely to cause substantial disruption. Gusty winds, giving occasional blizzard conditions, and perhaps a few lightning strikes, may accompany some of the showers, posing as additional hazards.
What Should I Do?
It is safer not to drive in these conditions, but if you need to make an essential journey, consider alternative forms of transport, to keep you and others safe. If you must drive, do this more safely by: using dipped headlights; accelerating gently, using low revs and changing to higher gears as quickly as possible; starting in second gear to help with wheel slip; maintaining a safe and steady speed, keeping distance from other vehicles; using a low gear to go downhill, avoiding braking unless necessary; steering into skids, not taking your hands of the wheel, and avoiding slamming on brakes.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
If isolated due to snow, follow these simple steps to keep safe and well: keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night; turn off electrical heaters and put out your fire before going to bed; ensure pets are safe by keeping them warm and comfortable; prevent frozen pipes by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing; stay indoors, wrap up warm and close internal doors to keep the heat in; and, if you need support call the British Red Cross Support Line on 0808 196 3651.
Help to protect vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111 (or consult NI:DIRECT if in Northern Ireland).
Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.
Why is the warning amber?
This warning has a medium likelihood and a medium impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
North East England
Yorkshire & Humber
Yellow warning
Ice
16:00
Today
UTC
11:00
Tomorrow
Rain and hill snow, followed by clearing skies, will lead to the risk of icy patches on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning
What should I expect?
- Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
- Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
What should I do?
Further detail
Outbreaks of rain will spread southwards during Tuesday evening, falling as snow on hills with accumulations of 2-5 cm possible in places above 300 m elevation, perhaps locally higher over the Lammermuirs and Cheviots. As rain and hill snow clears to the south overnight, temperatures falling to or below freezing will lead to the risk of icy patches on untreated surfaces.
What Should I Do?
Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush, reduces your risk of accidents, slips, and falls.
If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a medium likelihood and a low impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
Central, Tayside & Fife
North East England
North West England
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Strathclyde
Yorkshire & Humber
Yellow warning
Snow & ice
00:00
Tomorrow
UTC
12:00
Tomorrow
Wintry showers on Tuesday night into Wednesday will bring some icy patches and lying snow in places, leading to possible travel delays
What should I 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 should I do?
Further detail
Frequent wintry showers will feed inland through Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning across Northern Ireland, with strong northerly winds blowing showers well inland.
Whilst little to no snow accumulations are expected at low levels, 1-3 cm is likely over higher ground, and perhaps very locally up to 5 cm. This may affect routes such as the Glenshane Pass and Coleraine Mountain road.
Ice will be likely on untreated surfaces, whilst hail and lightning will be additional hazards.
What Should I Do?
Snowy, icy weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Keep yourself and others safe by planning your route, giving yourself extra time for your journey. Check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary.
Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush, reduces your risk of accidents, slips, and falls.
If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).
If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a medium likelihood and a low impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
Northern Ireland
Yellow warning
Ice
00:00
Tomorrow
UTC
11:00
Tomorrow
Rain and hill snow, followed by clearing skies, will lead to the risk of icy patches on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning
What should I expect?
- Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
- Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
What should I do?
Further detail
Outbreaks of rain will spread southwards on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, potentially falling as snow on hills for a time, before clearing to the south. As skies clear later, allowing temperatures to fall close to or below freezing, this will bring the risk of icy patches on untreated surfaces. Some temporary slushy snow deposits will be possible where snow persists for long enough, especially on grassy surfaces, but any significant accumulations will be largely restricted to communities and transport routes above about 300 m elevation.
What Should I Do?
Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush, reduces your risk of accidents, slips, and falls.
If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a medium likelihood and a low impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
East Midlands
East of England
London & South East England
North West England
South West England
Wales
West Midlands
Yorkshire & Humber
Yellow warning
Snow & ice
18:00
Today
UTC
21:00
Thu 20
Frequent snow showers from late Tuesday through Wednesday and Thursday may lead to some disruption
What should I expect?
- Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers
- Untreated pavements and cycle paths might be impassable
- A chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
- Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
- Some rural communities could become cut off
- Bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times possible
What should I do?
Further detail
Snow showers will feed inland on brisk northerly winds from late Tuesday through Wednesday and into Thursday, giving significant accumulations in places. Whilst there will be a lot of regional variation in amounts, where showers are most frequent 2-5 cm will be possible at low levels, with 5-10 cm on hills above about 100 m elevation, and potentially as much as 15-20 cm above 300 m.
Gusty winds and perhaps a few lightning strikes may accompany some of the showers, posing as additional hazards. Where showers persist and/or snow partially thaws and then refreezes overnight, this will bring a risk of ice.
What Should I Do?
Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).
Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal to reduce your risk of accidents, slips, and falls. If making a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a very low likelihood and a medium impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
Central, Tayside & Fife
Grampian
Highlands & Eilean Siar
Orkney & Shetland
Strathclyde
Yellow warning
Snow & ice
00:00
Tomorrow
UTC
23:59
Thu 20
Wintry showers feeding inland from the North Sea through Wednesday and Thursday may lead to some disruption
What should I expect?
- Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers
- Untreated pavements and cycle paths might be impassable
- A chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
- Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
- Some rural communities could become cut off
- Bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times possible
What should I do?
Further detail
Wintry showers feeding inland from the North Sea through Wednesday and Thursday may give some snow accumulations in places, especially farther inland away from the immediate windward coast. Whilst there will be a lot of regional variation, with some places seeing little or no lying snow, where showers are most frequent accumulations of 2-5 cm are possible. However, the North York Moors, and perhaps parts of the Yorkshire Wolds, could potentially receive 15-25 cm of snow by Thursday, leading to some significant disruption.
Gusty winds and perhaps a few lightning strikes may accompany some of the showers, posing as additional hazards. Where showers persist and/or snow partially thaws and then refreezes overnight, this will bring a risk of ice.
What Should I Do?
Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).
People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal to reduce your risk of accidents, slips, and falls. If making a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a very low likelihood and a medium impact.
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Last updated
Reason: Text updated, whilst start time brought forward and end time extended. Area expanded slightly further inland.
Regions and local authorities affected:
North East England
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Yorkshire & Humber
Yellow warning
Snow & ice
12:00
Tomorrow
UTC
23:59
Thu 20
Wintry showers feeding southwards through Wednesday and Thursday may lead to some disruption
What should I expect?
- A small chance that untreated pavements and cycle paths become impassable
- There is a slight chance that bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times
- A small chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
- A slight chance that power cuts occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
What should I do?
Further detail
Wintry showers will feed southwards across southwest Wales and parts of Devon and Cornwall through Wednesday and Thursday, moving well inland on brisk northerly winds. Some snow accumulations will be possible in places, especially overnight and/or farther inland away from the immediate windward coast. Whilst some places will see little or no lying snow, where showers are most frequent accumulations of 2-5 cm are possible, and perhaps up to 10 cm in a few isolated spots, more especially on hills above 200 m elevation in Pembrokeshire and west Carmarthenshire.
Gusty winds and hail may accompany some of the showers, and where showers persist and/or snow partially thaws and refreezes overnight, this will bring a risk of ice.
What Should I Do?
Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).
Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal to reduce your risk of accidents, slips, and falls. If making a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Why is the warning yellow?
This warning has a very low likelihood and a medium impact.
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Issued
Regions and local authorities affected:
South West England
Wales
Warnings are in force for:
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