Met Office weather warning colours: yellow, amber and red

Last reviewed: 23 Oct 2026

Follow your local authorities. In an emergency call 999/911.

The Met Office issues warnings through the National Severe Weather Warning Service. Each warning is given a colour: yellow, amber or red. The colour depends on a combination of two things: the impact the weather may have and the likelihood of those impacts happening. Impacts include damage to property, travel disruption, loss of water supplies, power cuts and, in the most severe cases, danger to life.

Yellow

Yellow covers a wide range. Many yellow warnings are issued when there is a high likelihood of some moderate impacts, such as disruption to travel in a few places. Other yellow warnings cover much more significant impacts but with much lower certainty. The Met Office says to read the content of the warning to see which situation applies, and to assess whether you could be affected.

Amber

There is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather that could disrupt your plans. The Met Office lists travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and a potential risk to life and property. It says to think about changing your plans and taking action to protect yourself and your property.

Red

Dangerous weather is expected. The Met Office says to take action now if you have not already. There is a very high likelihood of a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel and energy supplies and possibly widespread damage. Avoid travelling where possible and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.

Read the matrix

Every warning has an impact and likelihood matrix in its Further details section. Check which box is ticked: it shows how likely the Met Office thinks the impacts are. The Met Office notes that from October 2026 a new harmonised matrix is in use, with a change to the impact level terminology.

Where to see warnings

The Met Office app and website, social media, email alerts, TV and radio.

Sources

• Met Office, Weather warnings guide, accessed 2026-10-23.

Last checked: 2026-10-23