Week-long cold snap looms as temperatures plummet with snow possible
North Wales is bracing for freezing temperatures in the coming days as cold air is dragged across the UK from the continent. The region and other parts of the UK have recently been hit by storms, sparking travel disruption and power cuts.
The past few days have seen a more temperate climate, with some drier, sunnier weather. However colder temperatures are on the way with parts of North Wales set to see temperatures of -1C tonight.
The cold snap is set to be brought about as a high-pressure system parks up over Scandinavia. Looking further forward, WXCharts, using data from MetDesk, predicts that temperatures across almost the entire country will drop into negative figures from Wednesday, February 12, with conditions potentially falling to around -6C, reports the Mirror.
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The cold temperatures are expected to continue into the next day, with temperatures potentially dropping to around -10C in some areas. Parts of Wales, including Cardiff and Conwy, can expect to see a chilly -3C chill. However the places with the coldest locations are predicted to be southern Scotland, around Edinburgh and Dumfries, and northern England. There temperatures could fall as low as -6C.
And if anyone is planning to venture out on Valentine's Day, they may need to wrap up, with nearly all of the UK set to shiver in freezing conditions. The coldest temperatures are due in parts of Wales, the North West, North East and Scotland.
The Met Office says Thursday in Wales should see a "cold and frosty start with isolated freezing fog patches". As for later in the week and across the weekend, Wales can expect "another chilly start on Friday with sunny intervals, turning cloudier and colder on Saturday and Sunday with a few wintry showers in place".
There is also a chance snow could be seen next week in Wales, however it is currently too early to say with any certainty whether this will be the case. Channel 4 weather presenter Liam Dutton said the UK will have a "chilly feel by the end of the week", while the BBC's Derek Brockway said there is "colder weather to come!" and that Welshpool saw temperatures of -4C on Wednesday morning.
A chilly feel by the end of the week. https://t.co/qhLF52NetJ
— Liam Dutton (@liamdutton) February 4, 2025
Usk, Monmouthshire dropped to -1°C last night with a frost. Mainly dry today and calmer with pressure rising. Some sunshine but cloudy for a while. Clear sky tonight with a widespread frost and a few freezing fog patches forming. -4°C in Welshpool. Fine and sunnier tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/p9JBB1JdbT
— Derek Brockway - weatherman (@DerekTheWeather) February 5, 2025
According to the Met Office, Wales may see temperatures drop as low as -3C. A forecast said: "Tonight: Remaining dry this evening and overnight with lengthy clear spells. Temperatures quickly falling away to give a widespread frost and perhaps a few freezing fog patches, mainly in the east. Minimum temperature -3C.
"Thursday: A cold and frosty start with isolated freezing fog patches, which should clear during the morning. Otherwise, staying dry with plenty of winter sunshine and light winds. Maximum temperature 8C."
The outlook for Friday to Sunday is: "Another chilly start on Friday with sunny intervals. Turning cloudier and colder on Saturday and Sunday with a few wintry showers in place. Breezy at times, giving a wind chill."
The Met Office long range forecast for Wales says: "High pressure will likely sit to the northeast of the UK during this period. Consequently, winds across many areas are likely to come from an easterly quadrant, exacerbating the cold feel, with temperatures often below average.
"At first, there is the chance of more widespread precipitation, most likely mainly rain, across southernmost areas, before this clears away. Thereafter, there is a risk of some sleet or snow showers feeding in on the east to southeasterly wind, though many places may remain dry.
"Also a small chance of Atlantic fronts making inroads from the west, especially later in this period, which could also bring the possibility of at least transient snow. Overnight frost is likely to feature during this period, particularly where skies are clear."
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