Met Office issues a new snow warning for Wales as the Arctic blast persists, impacting eight areas under the latest alert issued by the leading forecasting agency. The warning comes following heavy snowfall in north and mid Wales, resulting in blocked roads and some school closures on Tuesday. The Met Office predicts that snow showers will continue to develop during Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, with potential accumulations of 1-2 cm in some areas and up to 5 cm over higher ground, along with a risk of ice formation on untreated surfaces. The warning spans from midnight on Tuesday until noon on Wednesday, covering mid and north Wales, including Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Powys, and Wrexham.
In response to the cold weather conditions, National Rail cautioned that northern train services might be affected until at least 2 pm on Tuesday. The Met Office characterised the conditions as the “first taste of winter,” with forecasts indicating more wintry showers throughout the week. The Wales forecast for Tuesday suggests cloudy skies in the morning with lingering wintry showers in the north, gradually clearing up later in the day with cold temperatures and light winds. Overnight, it is expected to remain cold with scattered wintry showers, potentially turning drier and brighter towards Wednesday morning.
As the cold weather front clears on Tuesday, cold northerly winds are anticipated to prevail, leading to colder temperatures for all UK regions for the remainder of the week. Daytime temperatures are likely to be in the low single figures for most areas, accompanied by sub-zero wind chill factors. While sunshine is expected away from coastal wintry showers, further snow accumulations are foreseeable during the week, particularly at low levels in northern Scotland and exposed regions elsewhere. There is a slight chance of an organised band of rain or snow impacting the far southwest on Thursday as a larger weather system moves towards the continent, though models suggest it may stay over the English Channel.
BBC Breakfast forecaster Carol Kirkwood advised monitoring a low-pressure weather system expected on Thursday, following the cold spell earlier in the week. Kirkwood highlighted that after a brief mild spell in the south, colder conditions are anticipated, with snow mainly on hills and lower levels falling as a mix of sleet and rain. The weekend forecast suggests potential wet and windy weather, although temperatures may rise before turning cold again by the following week. Despite the challenging conditions, the Met Office urges vigilance and preparation for the varied weather patterns expected in the days ahead.
As Wales braces for continued wintry conditions, authorities stress the importance of staying updated on weather alerts and road conditions, especially in areas prone to snow and ice. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and minimise disruptions caused by the inclement weather. Stay informed through official weather forecasts and local announcements to navigate the ongoing Arctic blast impacting Wales and be prepared for potential challenges posed by the changing weather conditions.