AN emergency alert test message will be sent to all compatible phones in the UK next weekend.

The drill comes as the UK government rolls out a test of its emergency alert system.

It will see all phones connected to 4G and 5G networks emit a siren-like sound and vibrate for up to 10 seconds on September 7 at 3pm.

The emergency alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, which includes extreme weather events.

Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency.

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Mobile phone users will also be sent a text explaining that the alert is a drill.

The alert has been used previously to warn people in Wales in December 2024 during Storm Darragh.

Jo Stevens, secretary of state for Wales, said: “On Sunday, September 7 at around 3pm, mobile phones on 4G and 5G networks across Wales and the whole of the UK will vibrate and emit a loud siren-like sound for up to ten seconds, marking one of the biggest public safety exercises in our nation’s history.

“There’s no app or sign-up, just a life‑saving alert when it matters. This UK‑wide test will help ensure it works as it should when we need it.

“We used the system during Storm Darragh to alert around three million phones when there was a red weather warning meaning lives were at risk.”

Around three million people across Wales and south‑west England received the message, which warned of dangerous and potentially life‑threatening conditions.

The message will read: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.

“You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.

“Find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for emergencies at gov.uk/prepare.

“Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information or to view this message in Welsh. Ewch i gov.uk/alerts am ragor o wybodaeth neu i weld y neges hon yn y Gymraeg.”