Snowfall Weather Forecast — warnings for snow, rain and ice across the UK

Forecasters have issued a series of yellow warnings for snow, heavy rain and ice across parts of the UK, and this snowfall weather forecast matters because travel disruption, flooding and power cuts are possible as the cold snap continues. Communities in higher ground, low-lying coastal counties and key transport links should prepare for a mix of wintry and wet conditions over the next 48 hours.

Yellow warnings active in Northern Ireland and southern England

A yellow warning for rain and snow came into force across Northern Ireland early on Wednesday morning, while a separate yellow warning for rain covers southern parts of England. More heavy rain is expected in the south this afternoon, with flooding possible: many areas are expected to see 10–20 mm, 20–30 mm is possible along the south coast, and up to 50 mm in places such as Dartmoor. In some of the wettest locations, 30–50 mm (1. 2–2. 0 in) could fall, raising the prospect of worsening flooding in areas already affected earlier in 2026.

Snowfall Weather Forecast for Wales, the Midlands and the southern Pennines

Another yellow warning for snow is due to begin later across parts of Wales, the Midlands and the southern Pennines, with an ice warning for Wales kicking in during the evening. Several centimetres of snow are expected to accumulate over high ground above around 150–200 m elevation; snowfall of 2–5 cm is likely above 150–200 m. There is potential for 10–15 cm above 250–300 m across mid and southeast Wales, Herefordshire, Shropshire and the southern Pennines, with some forecasts noting up to 15 cm on the highest ground. Separately, people living on higher ground in mid and southeast Wales were warned they could see up to 20 cm (8 in) of snow, reflecting variation in model outputs and elevations at which the heaviest snow will fall.

Northern Ireland hill snow, the Sperrins and thawing overnight

Northern Ireland will continue to see a mix of wet and wintry weather through Wednesday, with persistent rain at low levels and snow over high ground, especially the Sperrins. A mixture of rain, sleet and hill snow is moving across Northern Ireland, with several centimetres possible above 250 m and strong southeasterly winds accompanying the showers. Any lying snow in Northern Ireland is expected to thaw during the evening and overnight.

Travel disruption, power risks and the 18 Welsh counties under warning

Forecasters have warned of travel disruption, power cuts and a slight chance some rural villages could become cut off in Wales. A yellow warning affects 18 counties, with snow expected until 06: 00 GMT on Thursday and a yellow warning for ice in the same area in effect until 10: 00 on Thursday. The counties named include Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and Wrexham. Travellers face a small chance of delays on roads from stranded vehicles and a small chance of disruption to train and flight schedules; there is also a small chance of cuts to power and mobile service with strong winds forecast. Footage showed Sam Dudley, who was listening to music, appearing shocked at the sight of a train, and trains now stop at Northumberland Park after running through the station for more than a year. An airline has warned of major disruption after fog left its aircraft "in the wrong place, " and an airport has described a change in charges as a "faster, more convenient option" in line with other airport charges. Part of the line between Ashford and Borough Green had to close in 2021 after a landslip.

Temperature falls, cold-weather alert and short-term outlook

North-westerly winds have led to a drop in temperatures in recent days. The UK Health Security Agency issued a cold weather alert covering most of England until 18: 00 GMT on Friday. Temperatures on Tuesday night fell below -9°C (16°F) in parts of north-east Scotland, and many northern and central parts of the UK saw a frosty start to Wednesday. Strong winds — including gusts of 45–55 mph in places — add an extra hazard. Frontal systems will bring rain and snow to Northern Ireland and southern and central Britain today and overnight, with strong winds through Thursday; yellow national severe weather warnings remain in force until Thursday morning. As the rain shifts northwards into Wales, the west Midlands and northern England during the late afternoon and evening, some of it will turn to snow, especially over the hills, and a wet and wintry mix could lead to difficult travelling conditions on Wednesday evening and overnight and possible power cuts. The system should clear on Thursday with most areas turning drier, though Northern Ireland and western Scotland will see cloud and rain increasing by the afternoon and temperatures will remain below average with further ice warnings overnight possible. The outlook into the weekend stays unsettled with further bands of rain and brighter intervals; temperatures are expected to become increasingly mild as Atlantic air moves in, with a potential for highs of up to 16°C in sheltered spots with any brightness before readings return closer to average into next week. There remains some uncertainty in the forecast, so forecasters advised keeping up to date with hour-by-hour details on the weather website and app.