The government has announced it will send a test Emergency Alert to mobile phones across the UK at around 15:00 on 7th September 2025.

The system is used to warn if there's a danger to life nearby, for example extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency.

During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound, alongside a message explaining that it is a test.

This is the second test of its kind. The government has a commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works and to familiarise the public.

There will be a public information campaign ahead of the test.

So far, five real alerts have been sent, including during major storms. During Storm Éowyn in January 2025, after a red weather warning was issued, around 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland received an alert.

In December 2024, 3.5 million people in Wales and South West England received an alert during Storm Darragh.

It was also used following the discovery of an unexploded bomb in Plymouth.

Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: "Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it.

"This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change - from the £1 billion we’re investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2 billion we’re investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities.