Met Office issues yellow warning for snow and ice across Northern Ireland

The Met Office has issued a further tellow weather warning for snow and ice across all six counties of Northern Ireland as wintry showers are expected to intensify from Wednesday evening into Thursday morning.

The alert will be in place from 17:00 on Wednesday 19 November 2025 until 12:00 on Thursday 20 November 2025, covering County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry, and County Tyrone.

Forecasters warn that the combination of falling temperatures and frequent showers will create hazardous travel conditions, with ice forming on untreated surfaces and lying snow developing in some areas.

According to the Met Office:

“Wintry showers on Wednesday night into Thursday will bring some icy patches and lying snow in places, leading to possible travel delays.”

Snowfall Expected on Higher Routes

While many lower-lying southern areas are expected to see little accumulation, forecasters say conditions will vary significantly across Northern Ireland.

The Met Office said:

“Frequent wintry showers will continue to feed inland through Wednesday evening, overnight and into Thursday morning across Northern Ireland.

“As temperatures fall during the evening, snow is likely to begin to settle in places, whilst ice may form on untreated surfaces.

“Many low-lying areas may see little lying snow, especially across southern counties. However, 1–2 cm is likely in places, with 3–5 cm over some higher routes such as the Glenshane Pass, with perhaps very locally more across the higher parts of the Sperrins.”

Motorists travelling on exposed or upland routes — including the Glenshane Pass and roads across the Sperrin Mountains — are being advised to plan ahead, allow extra time and check local travel updates.

Risk to Drivers and Pedestrians

Transport disruption, slippery pavements and hazardous rural roads are likely as temperatures dip overnight.

Local authorities are expected to grit key routes, but conditions may deteriorate quickly in sheltered or untreated areas. Pedestrians are urged to take caution when walking on paths that may appear wet but are, in fact, icy.

What to Expect

• Possible delays on roads due to icy stretches and snow in places

• Risk of slips and falls on icy pavements

• Difficult driving conditions on higher routes and rural roads

• Localised travel disruption into Thursday morning