Yellow weather warning for snow and ice issued across Northern Ireland

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across Northern Ireland, with motorists and early-morning commuters urged to take extra care due to the risk of icy conditions and possible travel disruption.

The warning is in effect from 00:00 until 10:00 on Friday, 2 January 2026, and covers all six counties of the province — Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone.

According to the Met Office, the warning follows a spell of rain, sleet and hill snow on Thursday evening, with conditions expected to deteriorate during the early hours of Friday as temperatures fall.

“Icy stretches are likely to develop on untreated surfaces during the early hours of Friday,” the forecaster said.

There is also a risk of snow showers early on Friday, particularly across northern areas, which could lead to patchy accumulations of 1 to 2 centimetres of snow.

While accumulations are expected to be light, even small amounts of snow combined with freezing temperatures could pose hazards on untreated roads, pavements and rural routes.

The warning is likely to be of particular concern to those travelling overnight or during the morning rush hour, as well as pedestrians, cyclists and delivery drivers.

Rural communities and higher ground are most at risk of slippery conditions, with untreated surfaces expected to be especially hazardous.

A yellow warning indicates that the weather could cause some disruption, particularly to travel, and members of the public are advised to stay informed and adjust plans where necessary.

Further snowfall is expected over the weekend and into early next week, and further weather warnings may be issued.

The Met Office continues to monitor conditions and advises road users to allow extra time for journeys and to take care when walking on potentially icy surfaces.