Snow Has Covered Several Regions of the UK: A Snowfall Warning Has Been Issued for the Coming Hours

With blustery snow showers and widespread frost continuing overnight, authorities are urging the public to prepare for further disruption.

Snow and ice have swept across large parts of the UK, triggering multiple warnings from the Met Office and marking the season's first significant cold snap.

On November 18, 2025, the Met Office issued several Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for snow and ice affecting Northern Ireland, parts of Wales, northern and south-western areas of England, and much of Scotland. Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong stated:

"Cold Arctic air from the north is firmly in charge of the UK's weather, bringing the first notable cold snap of this autumn and giving an early taste of winter weather."

"As a result, winter hazards are likely through the next few days, with snow and ice a particular hazard, and the coldest conditions likely on Wednesday and Thursday," he continued.

The warnings are set to evolve, with updates expected over the coming days, as snowfall and icy conditions remain a persistent threat, particularly overnight.

Warnings in Effect

A Yellow warning remains in place for November 19, 2025, followed by a more serious Amber warning for November 20, 2025. The warning zone covers a broad swathe of the UK, with snow showers, icy stretches, and freezing temperatures expected to persist.

The forecast for November 19 warned of an icy start, with hill snow clearing southeastwards. Although some areas became dry and brighter with sunny spells, frequent wintry showers continued in northern regions. Heavy snow was also reported in places exposed to a cold northerly wind.

For nightfall on November 19, blustery snow showers are expected to continue across northern areas, especially at higher elevations, while other regions will face widespread frost under clear skies.

For November 20, forecasters predict sunny conditions with wintry showers, mainly along North Sea coasts, gradually easing later in the day. Cold weather and overnight frost are expected to continue across most of the UK.

Looking Ahead – Weekend Forecast

According to the latest outlook for the weekend, more rain and cloud will spread in from the west on November 21 and 22, bringing slightly milder temperatures.

However, the weekend will remain unsettled, with further outbreaks of rain likely on November 22, though some brighter spells are also forecast.

Forecasts Across the UK

Across England, the cold weather is expected to affect these regions to varying degrees:

• North East England
• North West England
• Yorkshire and Humber
• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• East of England
• London and South East England
• South West England

Across Scotland, weather warnings have been issued for the following areas:

• Orkney and Shetland
• Highlands and Eilean Siar
• Grampian
• Central, Tayside, and Fife
• Strathclyde
• Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian, and Borders

In Wales, the following location is under a weather warning:

• Wales

Across Northern Ireland, the following area is affected:

• Northern Ireland

A closer look at forecasts for individual cities reflects the widespread impact of the cold snap. In Scotland, Aberdeen and Glasgow are both under Yellow weather warnings, with daytime temperatures hovering around -2°C and clear but bitter conditions expected.

Across Northern Ireland, Belfast is also under a Yellow warning, with partly cloudy skies and a high of -4°C. Several English cities are also currently facing severe cold and wintry conditions.

Birmingham, Liverpool, and Sheffield are all under Yellow alerts, with highs ranging from -3°C to -4°C, and a mix of sunshine and cloud. Newcastle and Plymouth are seeing similar alerts, with temperatures falling to -2°C and -7°C, respectively.

London is slightly milder at -5°C, though still facing cloudy skies and a warning in effect. In Wales, Cardiff is among the coldest cities listed, sitting at -6°C, with partly cloudy conditions and an active Yellow warning in place.

The weather data highlights just how far-reaching this cold spell is, with all nations of the UK experiencing freezing temperatures, weather warnings, and a mix of sunshine, cloud, and light snow.

Furthermore, a Met Office map shows a band of wintry precipitation moving south across the UK, with pockets of more intense snowfall forming over higher ground and exposed areas. This was echoed in a post on X, where the Met Office noted that 15 to 25 centimetres are possible on hills above 100 m.

Met Office Updates on X

The Met Office has issued multiple updates on X, providing real-time guidance as the weather situation developed. On November 18, 2025, it noted that while some parts of the UK would see significant snowfall, many other areas would remain sunny, highlighting the intense yet patchy nature of the cold snap.

Later that evening, it warned that snow and ice warnings would come into effect overnight, urging people to take extra care on the roads and to stay up to date with official warnings. A third update that night flagged the continued risk of icy stretches and snow showers, reinforcing the advice to remain cautious.

On the morning of November 19, 2025, the Met Office alerted the public to a band of precipitation moving southwards. While this was falling as rain in most places, it warned that wet snowflakes were also possible, particularly over higher ground, where slush could develop.

These frequent updates served as a reminder of the rapidly evolving conditions and the need for ongoing vigilance.

Widespread Impact Across England

Snow has already been confirmed in London, where residents from Twickenham to Cricklewood have shared footage of flurries blanketing the capital, while images of white rooftops and snow-covered parks made the rounds on social media.

Snow-capped mountains in Cumbria were also spotted in footage captured after temperatures plummeted overnight. This came as the Met Office predicted up to 25 centimetres of snow could fall on the North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds, with 20 centimetres expected in some areas of Scotland.

As warnings remain in place and the situation develops, the Met Office continues to urge the public to stay informed and exercise caution, especially during icy conditions and periods of reduced visibility on the roads.