An amber warning for snow and ice is set to start in Wales at 8am on Thursday (February 8) as a 'short-lived' cold snap brings wintry hazards. The warning covers parts of north Wales from 8am until 3pm, with another amber warning for the South Pennines and Peak District from noon until 6pm.
Outside of the amber warnings there are yellow warnings on Thursday for potentially disruptive snow extending from mid-Wales and the north Midlands. There is also warnings for heavy rain for large parts of south Wales.
Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly says: “Cold across most areas away from the south the UK, will be met by moisture-laden air spreading from the south. Where milder air encounters cold air, rain, sleet and snow will develop, bringing the risk of 2-5cm of snow in places, whilst some other areas see little or no snow. Over higher ground 5-10cm is likely, while locations above 200m within the amber warning areas could see up to 25cm of snowfall. Snow here could drift in strong to gale force easterly winds." For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
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Amy Shaw, national network manager at National Highways, said: “Freezing conditions bring hazards such as snow and ice, so take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow lots of extra time when travelling to prepare for the unexpected.
“It is therefore always important to plan ahead for your journey, check the weather forecasts, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.”
National Highways also reminds motorists to keep TRIP in mind ahead of journeys – Top-up: oil, water, screenwash; Rest: rest every two hours; Inspect: Inspect tyres and lights and Prepare: check your route and the weather forecast.
Here is an hour-by-hour forecast for Wales on Thursday:
7am
A yellow warning for rain is in place for large parts of south Wales. It started at 2am and runs until 6am on Friday.
The warning says: "A couple of bands of rain, heavy in places, will push northwards across southern England and south Wales during Thursday and early on Friday. Whilst a drier interlude is likely for a time during the middle part of Thursday, many places in the warning area will see 15-25 mm of rain accumulate during this period. However, some higher ground areas of southern England and south Wales could see as much as 35-45 mm of rain."
The warning is in place for Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan.
8am
The amber warning for snow and ice comes into place and will remain until 3pm on Thursday.
The warning states: "Snow is expected to develop during Thursday morning and become persistent and at times heavy before slowly easing later in the day. As milder air begins to arrive from the south, there is a chance that snow could turn to freezing rain across some higher routes above 200 metres. Across the warning area, 10-15 cm of snow is expected quite widely but some places, particularly those above 200 metres, may see 20-25 cm of snow. Strong and gusty easterly winds may lead to some drifting in places."
The warning is in place for Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Powys and Wrexham.
9am
A yellow warning for snow is in place for large parts of north Wales during the day and is in place for a 24-hour period from 6am.
It says: "A band of rain, sleet and snow will move north on Thursday. At low levels, accumulating snow will be very variable with some places seeing little or no snow, whilst others see 2-5 cm accumulate over a few hours before gradually thawing later Thursday and overnight. Over higher ground, mainly above 200 metres, 5-10 cm of snow is likely, with higher totals for higher ground of North Wales and the south Pennines. Strong and gusty easterly winds may lead to some drifting in places, particularly over higher ground."
10am
The heavy rain and snow is set to continue during the morning. It is almost impossible to make out Wales in this weather map for 10am.
11am
The Met Office overall forecast for Wales today says: "An unsettled day with outbreaks of heavy rain, this turning to sleet and snow in the north, especially over the higher ground where there's a risk of freezing rain. Blustery at times leading to drifting snow. Milder in the south. Maximum temperature 11°C."
Noon
The Met Office weather map for Wales shows some dry weather around Pembrokeshire and St David's, but the rest of the country is under a blanket of rain and snow.
Afternoon
The unsettled weather is set to continue through the afternoon with the yellow warning for heavy rain still in place in southern parts of tWales and the yellow snow warning in north Wales until 6am on Friday.
The amber warning for snow and ice ends at 3pm. The weather map for 3pm does show some drier areas.
Tonight
Remaining unsettled with further heavy rain sweeping across the country, easing somewhat during the early hours with lighter winds by dawn. Minimum temperature -1 °C.
Friday
Staying rather cloudy with showery outbreaks of rain, turning heavy at times. Lighter winds than Thursday and feeling milder in the south. Maximum temperature 10 °C.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday
A mixture of some brighter and drier intervals at times, though still a risk of showers or longer spells of rain. Generally lighter winds with temperatures close to average.
