Met Office Issues Health Alert Amid Snow and Ice Warning
The Met Office has issued critical health alerts due to impending snow and ice conditions across the UK this weekend.
Snow and Ice Warnings Across the UK
Warnings for snow and ice are in effect for many regions. Areas in the north of England and Scotland are particularly affected. Additionally, southern and South West England, along with Wales, are under an ice warning. The alerts will begin between 4 PM and 8 PM today, continuing into Saturday.
A separate snow and ice warning will activate in northern England and Scotland at 9 PM on Saturday, lasting into Sunday morning.
Key Alerts and Timing
- Start of Alerts: 4 PM to 8 PM today
- Further Alerts: 9 PM Saturday in northern regions
- Duration: Lasting into the weekend
These weather warnings coincide with a cold health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This alert took effect today for central and northern parts of England and will remain in place until 8 AM on Monday. Vulnerable individuals may face increased risks, potentially leading to “minor impacts” on health services due to rising demand.
Current Weather Conditions
The Met Office attributes these colder conditions to an Arctic maritime air mass moving into the UK. A weather front is expected to bring additional rain, strong winds, and snow, particularly in northern areas, on Sunday.
Historical Weather Records
The beginning of 2026 has ushered in a series of gloomy weather patterns. Factors contributing to the continuous wet conditions include a “blocking pattern” observed in recent forecasts.
- Record Months: 26 weather stations reported new monthly records for January.
- Wettest January: Northern Ireland experienced its highest rainfall in 149 years.
- Sunless Days: Aberdeen recorded 21 consecutive days with no sunshine, the longest since 1957.
This challenging winter weather is expected to persist through the weekend, affecting travel and daily activities across the region. For updates and forecasts tailored to your area, visit Filmogaz.com.