Met Office Issues Yellow Weather Warnings for 27 UK Areas Facing Snow Before Wednesday
The Met Office has identified 27 specific areas across the United Kingdom where snow is forecast to fall before Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Yellow weather warnings have been issued, taking effect from 4pm on Friday, February 13, as wintry conditions are expected to intensify significantly over the next 72 hours with a cold front moving eastward.
Snow Timeline and Affected Regions
Sunday, February 15: A wet start to Sunday will see rain turning to snow across a wide swathe of the country. Areas expected to see snowfall include:
- England: Kent, Greater London, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, County Durham, and Northumberland.
- Scotland: Dumfriesshire, Berwickshire, Angus, Perthshire, Inverness-shire, Argyll and Bute, and Sutherland.
Monday, February 16: As the front continues, snow showers and wintry mixes will move into:
- Wales: Merthyr Tydfil and Powys.
- England: Cheshire, Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Cumbria, County Durham, and Northumberland.
- Scotland: Dumfriesshire, Peeblesshire, Berwickshire, Stirling, Perthshire, Inverness-shire, Angus, Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland, and the Outer Hebrides.
Tuesday, February 17: Wintry showers will linger in the north and east, specifically affecting:
- England: Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.
- Scotland: Perthshire, Angus, Sutherland, Inverness-shire, and Ross-shire.
Precipitation Intensity and Weather Patterns
While much of the UK will experience light dustings with precipitation rates below 0.5mm per hour, higher ground and areas south of Whitby in North Yorkshire, along with the Scottish Highlands, could see heavier bursts ranging from 0.5mm to 4mm per hour on Sunday. The cold front will bring a mix of rain, sleet, and significant snow accumulations, creating challenging conditions.
Short-Term and Mid-Week Weather Outlook
Saturday evening will feature rain and hill snow moving into western areas, spreading east overnight. This will be accompanied by increasingly strong winds, making conditions feel significantly chillier. Monday will bring a mix of sunny spells and heavy showers, while Tuesday is predicted to be a drier day for many. However, rain is expected to arrive in the southwest late on Tuesday and may linger across the country through Wednesday.
Long-Range Forecast and Travel Warnings
The Met Office warns that Atlantic low-pressure systems will dominate the period from February 18 to 27, bringing occasional strong winds and heavy rain, with further snow likely in the north, primarily confined to high ground. Icy conditions and reduced visibility are expected during this period. Motorists are urged to prepare for dangerous driving conditions and to allow extra time for journeys, particularly in the 27 named regions. Travel disruptions are anticipated, and residents should stay updated with the latest weather advisories.
