Cold Weather Health Alert Issued Across UK with Snow on the Horizon
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a four-day cold weather health alert for central and northern England, effective from Friday morning to Monday morning, 13-16 February 2026. This warning highlights increased risks for vulnerable individuals and potential minor impacts on health services due to heightened demand during the chilly spell.
Snow and Ice Alerts for Northern Regions
Separate snow and ice alerts are in force for Thursday and Friday, covering northern England and virtually all of Scotland. According to the Met Office, one to two centimetres of snow is widely expected, with some areas above 300 metres potentially receiving up to 10 centimetres. These conditions could disrupt travel and daily activities, urging residents to take precautions.
Temperature Plunge and Weather Patterns
Friday is forecast to be the coldest day, with temperatures around 2°C (35°F) during the morning commute in Manchester and dropping to 0°C (32°F) under clear skies in Glasgow. Sky News weather producer Chris England noted that this temperature dip will "come as something of a shock after the long mild, wet spell." He explained that the jet stream will shift southward, allowing a northerly flow to bring wintry conditions, though milder weather is expected to return from the South later in the weekend.
Heavy Rain Continues in Scotland
Meanwhile, heavy rain persists, with yellow warnings in effect until midnight on Wednesday for large parts of eastern and western Scotland. Aberdeen has already experienced 180% of its typical February rainfall, Kincardineshire 152%, and Angus 130%. This follows a wet start to 2026, with 26 weather stations setting new monthly records for January and Northern Ireland enduring its wettest January in 149 years due to a "blocking pattern."
The combination of cold alerts and ongoing precipitation underscores the need for public awareness and preparedness during this volatile weather period.
