The Met Office has issued a Yellow weather warning for ice affecting Wellingborough and surrounding parts of North Northamptonshire, as temperatures are expected to fall below freezing overnight. The warning runs from 00:00 to 10:00 on Wednesday 28 January 2026, creating a risk for people heading out on the morning commute or school run.
Recent wet weather followed by clearing skies is expected to cause patchy ice to form on roads and pavements that have not been treated with salt. Drivers using major routes such as the A45 and A509 should take care, particularly at the Wilby Way roundabout and the Little Irchester junction on the A509, which are known congestion and problem spots in icy conditions.
North Northamptonshire Council says its gritting fleet is on standby and that precautionary treatments will be carried out on the precautionary network ahead of the warning. The council’s winter service plan explains that priority is given to A and B roads and major bus routes; local reporting has also highlighted that some newer estates — including Stanton Cross — have few or no council grit bins on estate roads that are not yet adopted, and residents there are being advised to take extra care.
National Highways advises motorists to check their route before setting off and to allow extra time for journeys in icy conditions. Pedestrians are also warned to watch for black ice on footpaths, which can be hard to see and may cause slips or falls.
Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said the council’s fleet of gritters is ready to keep key routes moving during the cold snap. Local residents are encouraged to look out for neighbours and take common-sense precautions while the warning is in force on Wednesday morning.
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