**Snow Expected to Blanket Parts of Wales as Cold Snap Approaches**
As the mild and overcast Christmas period in Wales starts to fade into the past, residents are bracing themselves for a change in the weather as we head into the new year. Forecasters have issued warnings of unsettled conditions with the possibility of snowfall for certain areas as 2025 approaches. Renowned weatherman Derek Brockway cautioned, “Turning much more unsettled next week. 2025 could start with some disruptive weather with a deep low pressure bringing a spell of heavy rain, strong winds, and gales. Snow for some too. This low could be named Storm Éowyn.”
The Met Office’s medium-range forecast for Wales also indicates the likelihood of snow affecting regions between New Year’s Eve and Thursday, January 2. The forecast suggests, “Unsettled and very windy midweek with heavy rain at times and perhaps some snow in places. Brighter by Thursday with scattered wintry showers. Mild at first but turning much colder.” Furthermore, the HRES model forecast predicts additional snowfall in parts of north Wales, with estimates ranging between 1cm and 2cm on Tuesday, January 7, and similar conditions expected on January 9 and 10. Moreover, heavier snowfall is foreseen for regions in Scotland and Northumbria during this period.
Looking at the broader UK picture, the Met Office’s medium-range forecast for the country anticipates continued unsettled weather with frequent heavy showers and strong winds persisting beyond New Year’s Eve into the new year. As Thursday arrives, colder temperatures will usher in blustery showers, potentially turning wintry. The long-range UK forecast spanning from January 2 to January 11 details a shift towards northerly winds and colder air sweeping across the UK after the departure of a deep area of low pressure. This transition is expected to bring rain and sleet showers that could progressively transform into snow, especially in the northern regions and coastal areas exposed to onshore winds.
The forecast indicates the possibility of a prolonged period of cold, showery conditions following this cold snap, before high pressure moves in from the west, offering a more settled spell of weather. Despite this respite, there is a chance of rain advancing from the south over the first weekend of January, transitioning into snow as it meets colder air. Moving into the following week, the weather outlook suggests a variable scenario with the north and west experiencing wetter and windier conditions compared to the relatively settled conditions expected in the south and east.
In conclusion, as Wales prepares to bid farewell to 2024 and embrace the new year, the looming prospect of disruptive weather patterns and snowfall serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and weather-ready in the face of nature’s unpredictability.