Amber severe weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued for parts of England and Wales amid a cold snap, the Met Office said. Most of the Midlands, Wales and parts of northern England are covered by an amber warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday until noon on Sunday1.
Up to 30-40cm of snow is possible in parts of northern England on Sunday, the Met Office said. Further south, and especially over Wales, rain could freeze, causing dangerous icy conditions, forecasters said1. UK Health Security Agency cold-weather health alerts for all of England remain in place for vulnerable people1.
The RSPCA issued advice for owners on keeping pets unharmed by the temperatures and the state of the ground. The charity asks drivers to check their car regularly to ensure it is not leaking water coolant, to keep antifreeze in labelled, robust, sealed containers away from pets, and to clean up even small spills immediately and ensure animals cannot access the area until it is clean1.
"Pets die every year from accidental poisonings from antifreeze spills and leaks, as well as from leaking water coolant from cars, but most of these deaths are avoidable"
The charity's other advice, as reported, includes:
| Subject | RSPCA advice |
|---|---|
| Dogs walked on gritted ground | Have paws thoroughly washed afterwards, as rock salt can act as an irritant or be ingested if the animal licks its paws |
| Cars | Tap the bonnet and check around the wheels and on top of the tyres before starting up, because cats may shelter there for warmth |
| Cats | Ensure bedding is warm and dry, away from cold draughts; in the coldest months a cat must have access to a warm environment such as the home or another heated indoor area |
| Walking | Elderly or sickly dogs may benefit from a special coat; dogs and owners should wear something reflective, and a light on a dog's collar is a safety feature |
| Iced water | Keep dogs away from ponds and lakes that are iced over, as thin ice may break under a dog's weight; watch for paws becoming compacted with snow |
| Small pets | Insulate the outdoor sleeping areas of rabbits and guinea pigs, keep enclosures facing away from wind and rain, and move enclosures into an outhouse, shed or unused garage |
| Fishponds | Place a saucepan of hot water on a frozen surface to gently melt a hole; do not break the ice and never tip boiling water straight onto the pond |
| Horses and ponies | Check hooves for abscesses and loose shoes, and legs for signs of mud fever |
Why it matters for households
The amber warning runs from 6pm on Saturday until noon on Sunday, covering most of the Midlands, Wales and parts of northern England, with the heaviest snow totals of 30-40cm possible in parts of northern England on Sunday. Freezing rain, especially over Wales, could leave dangerous icy surfaces further south1. Cold-weather health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency remain in place for all of England for vulnerable people1.
For households with animals, the RSPCA's advice covers the period of snow and ice itself: salt on gritted paths and antifreeze spills and leaks are the poisoning risks it names, and cats sheltering under or in cars are a further hazard when vehicles are started1. The charity's guidance on ponds, outdoor enclosures and livestock is directed at owners of fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses and ponies1.
The Met Office's warning levels and what they mean for households are set out in the guide to Met Office weather warnings, and practical steps for snow and ice are covered in Storms, Snow and Ice: A Household Guide. Pet-specific guidance is in Pets in Cold Weather, Snow and Ice.
What happens next
The amber warning is in force until noon on Sunday, after which no further warning detail has been reported. Households can sign up for Met Office alerts through the guide to signing up for Met Office weather alerts.
Met Office Weather Warnings
Snow and Ice Household Guide
Pets in Cold Weather and Snow
