Temperatures are set to drop dramatically in Wales as the country braces for a cold start to the new year. The Met Office weather maps indicate that temperatures could plummet to as low as -5°C in some areas. Following a period of wet and windy weather, heavy rain on New Year’s Day is expected to move southwards, giving way to colder conditions accompanied by severe gales sweeping in from the southwest.
Throughout the day on New Year’s Day, the weather is forecasted to transition from windy to cold, with maximum temperatures reaching 11°C before a significant drop as the day progresses. By the early hours of Thursday, January 2, several areas, including Builth Wells and Llandovery, are expected to reach as low as -2°C. As the evening approaches, these areas, along with parts of mid and north Wales, are likely to experience temperatures as low as -4°C as indicated by the Met Office’s weather maps.
As the chill sets in, by Thursday evening, Carmarthen is predicted to reach -3°C while Cardiff is expected to dip to -1°C. The following day, Friday, the cold conditions are expected to spread across Wales with temperatures dropping to -3°C in Cardiff and Swansea, and even reaching -5°C in certain areas. Monmouth is anticipated to be the coldest place in Wales, with temperatures dropping to -5°C by 9am on Friday.
The forecast suggests that the colder conditions will persist across the UK into the weekend, with wintry showers likely in the far north and east. The sunshine is expected to be more widespread, although temperatures are projected to fall below freezing, especially in Scotland where some areas may experience temperatures in the minus double digits due to existing snow cover.
As the weekend progresses, temperatures in Wales are expected to rise above freezing, only to drop again to below freezing, with nighttime temperatures potentially reaching -1°C and -2°C in certain areas. The long-range outlook for the UK for the start of the following week indicates a mixed bag of weather, with a mix of snow, sleet, and rain showers predicted in the north. While milder air may move in from the south, the overall trend is expected to remain colder than normal, with regional variations.
In summary, Wales is preparing for a cold spell at the start of the year, with temperatures plummeting to -5°C in some areas. This drastic drop in temperature follows a period of wet and windy conditions, signalling a shift to colder weather as the new year begins. The Met Office forecasts a continuation of cold weather across the UK into the weekend, with wintry showers in the north and temperatures falling below freezing in many regions. As the weather patterns evolve, Wales can expect varying conditions with the potential for freezing temperatures and wintry showers in the coming days.