Bold warning: extreme cold is already gripping parts of the country, with snow and ice on the way. A four-day cold-weather health alert has started in England as the Met Office alerts for wintry conditions in several regions.
This UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) alert focuses on central and northern areas and runs until 8am on Monday. It warns that vulnerable groups could be especially at risk and that health services may see minor pressures from higher demand.
For your area, check the latest forecast (https://news.sky.com/weather).
The Met Office attributes the chill to an Arctic maritime air mass and has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice through Friday noon (https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2026-02-13). The alert covers nearly all of Scotland and much of northern England, with higher ground at risk of waking to a white coating.
In Scotland and northern England, elevations above 200 metres could see 2–5 cm of snow, while peaks above 300 metres may accumulate up to 10 cm, according to Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly.
Friday may bring sunny spells in the south, but rain is expected across the Midlands and Wales.
Looking ahead to Saturday, a widespread frost is forecast in the morning, with temperatures hard to rise above freezing. It should be noticeably brighter and drier than recent weeks, and could be the first fully dry day of the year for many, with daytime highs around 4–6°C (39–43°F).
Unfortunately, the relief won’t last. A weather front is forecast to sweep in from the west on Sunday, bringing more rain, strong winds, and additional snow in northern regions.
To put this into perspective, the start of 2026 has featured a persistent gloomy, wet pattern driven by a blocking weather setup. January set monthly record highs for many weather stations, and Northern Ireland endured its wettest January in 149 years.
Stay tuned to local forecasts, prepare for cold conditions, and look after vulnerable friends and family during these unsettled days.
