Jump directly to the content

THE Met Office has issued a weather warning for ice tomorrow as a -1°C chill sweeps across the UK.

A yellow warning covers parts of Yorkshire and Northumberland between 3am and 9am on Thursday with forecasters expecting wintry showers causing ice to develop.

Racehorses and jockeys in the snow.
8
Snow has been spotted falling at Cheltenham ahead of the races todayCredit: PA
Horses race in the snow.
8
The forecast comes as the second day of Cheltenham Festival 2025 gets underwayCredit: PA
Map of the UK highlighting areas with a yellow ice warning.
8
A yellow warning for ice is also in place tomorrow for ice from 3am to 9amCredit: Met Office
Snowplow clearing a snow-covered road during a blizzard.
8
A snowplough battles through a blizzard near Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands this morningCredit: Northpix

It could cause disruption to transport due to ice on roads and cycle paths.

Oli Claydon, a spokesman for the Met Office, said: "Some showers came through with lower overnight temperatures last night, meaning it comes through as snow.

"We're expecting to see the same sort of regime over the next few days with showers continuing in the North East and Scotland.

"There's also a front that moves through on Friday that could bring snow over widespread areas of Scotland, and we might see some wintry showers over the highest parts of Ireland."

Read more News

It comes as snow was spotted falling at Cheltenham Racecourse this morning ahead of the races in Gloucestershire.

Patches of the white stuff have covered the Highlands in Scotland, much of the north east of England and parts of the Midlands today.

The Met Office said: "Don't be surprised if you see some wet snow in some of the showers today.

"A temporary slight covering is possible on the grass and cars, as seen recently here in Cheltenham."

The agency also posted on X: "A chilly but bright start to Wednesday for some with showers.

"These becoming more widespread through the morning, turning heavy at times and wintry, mainly over the highest ground."

Jockey Paul Townend wipes away tears after winning Cheltenham race in honour of late pal Michael O'Sullivan

The forecast comes as the second day of Cheltenham Festival 2025 gets underway.

After a Champion Hurdle that had to be seen to believed, there was another surprise at Cheltenham on Wednesday morning with snow falling.

An increasingly wintry scene emerged at Prestbury Park, where the day two feature is the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 4pm.

Gloucestershire highways warned those travelling to today's event to stay safe and keep warm.

UK 5 day weather forecast

Today:

Showery rain will clear southwards from southern England and Wales, with patchy frost clearing elsewhere to leave sunshine and showers across the UK.

Northern Ireland and western Scotland will be sunniest. Showers turning locally heavy and wintry. A chilly breeze.

Tonight:

Showers will continue to affect many eastern and some northeastern areas overnight, wintry in places.

Elsewhere mostly dry with clear periods, allowing a frost to develop. Some icy patches too.

Thursday:

Frost clearing to leave another chilly day with sunshine and showers, the showers most widespread across central, eastern and far northern parts of the UK.

Some western areas largely dry.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Another day of sunshine and showers on Friday, some of the showers wintry on the hills.

Fewer showers, with a lot of fine weather over the weekend. Some overnight frost.

It said: "We appear to have some snow this morning!

"If you're heading out please be careful and if you’re off to Cheltenham Festival wrap up warm."

Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick explained: "This week is going to be feeling a lot more like winter, all thanks to an area of high pressure dragging in a more northerly flow across the country.

"Wednesday will see snow across north-eastern parts of Scotland, namely the Highlands, and high ground will see flurries to a lower level.

"Sunshine peaking through the clouds will likely melt the snow away to lower levels.

"Temperatures will see highs of 8-9°C but it will feel more like freezing.

"Thursday will also be a cold and frosty start and there will be icy stretches wherever there has been rain, so take care if you're out and about in the early hours.

Read More on The Sun

"There will be plenty of showers across North Sea coasts bringing sleet and snow, mainly across high ground.

"It will be largely dry across the rest but we can't rule out showers inland. The temperature will be more like freezing."

UK weather radar map showing rain.
8
The Met Office said sleet is likely to fall at the Racecourse until 10amCredit: Met Office
Snow falling on empty benches outside a racetrack.
8
The Club enclosure at Cheltenham Racecourse covered in snowCredit: Splash
Snow falling on a race track.
8
An increasingly wintry scene emerged at Prestbury ParkCredit: Splash
Horses and jockeys race in the snow.
8
The day two feature is the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 4pmCredit: PA
Topics