Yellow ice warning issued for Northern Ireland as wintry showers bring risk of disruption

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice covering all of Northern Ireland, with hazardous conditions expected overnight and into Friday morning.

The warning will be in effect from 12.00am until 11.00am on Friday, 9 January 2026, as temperatures fall and wintry showers create icy patches on roads and pavements.

According to the Met Office, “clearing skies and scattered wintry showers” are expected to develop through the night, increasing the risk of ice, particularly on untreated surfaces.

Forecasters say a “scattering of showers around the coast this evening and overnight” could lead to difficult travel conditions, with showers “turn[ing] to sleet or snow at times”.

The Met Office added that this may “perhaps [give] a fresh dusting of snow in a few places”, raising the potential for localised disruption during the Friday morning commute.

Motorists are being urged to take extra care, especially on rural roads, bridges and shaded routes where ice is more likely to form. Pedestrians are also advised to be cautious, with slippery conditions expected on pavements and pathways.

The warning may be of particular concern for early-morning commuters, delivery drivers and parents undertaking school runs, as well as older and more vulnerable residents who face an increased risk of slips and falls in icy conditions.

While widespread severe disruption is not expected, the Met Office cautions that even small amounts of ice or snow can cause problems during peak travel times, especially if surfaces have not been gritted.