Met Office issues yellow ice warning for Northern Ireland as sub-zero temperatures hit

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice across Northern Ireland, with hazardous travel conditions expected from 8pm on Friday 13 February 2026 until 10am on Saturday 14 February 2026.

The warning covers County Antrim, County Down, County Londonderry and County Tyrone, where sub-zero temperatures combined with wintry showers could lead to icy surfaces and difficult driving conditions overnight.

Forecasters say wintry showers may fall onto freezing ground during Friday evening and into Saturday morning, creating a risk of untreated roads and pavements becoming icy.

A slight covering of snow is also possible on high ground above 200 metres.

Icy surfaces and travel disruption risk

According to the Met Office, the warning highlights the potential for “icy surfaces leading to difficult travel conditions.”

The weather service added:

“Wintry showers may fall onto sub-zero surfaces during Friday evening and overnight into Saturday morning, leading to a risk of ice where untreated. In addition, a slight covering of snow is possible on high ground above 200 metres.”

Motorists travelling early on Saturday morning are advised to allow extra time for journeys, particularly in rural areas and on untreated routes where conditions may deteriorate quickly.

Counties affected by the yellow warning

The yellow ice warning applies to:

• County Antrim

• County Down

• County Londonderry

• County Tyrone

The combination of freezing temperatures and scattered wintry showers increases the likelihood of black ice forming, particularly where surfaces remain wet after earlier precipitation.

Residents in elevated areas above 200 metres may also see a light covering of snow, potentially affecting hill roads and higher rural routes.