Snow and ice warnings issued across Wales as wintry band, the Pembrokeshire dangler, brings heavy showers

Snow and ice are expected across parts of Wales this week, as the Met Office issues two yellow weather warnings and heavy showers warn of possible travel disruption and risks of injury.

The first yellow alert covers ice overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday morning. A second warning for snow and ice runs from midday on Wednesday until midnight on Thursday, mainly affecting south west Wales. Authorities have urged people to plan ahead for journeys and to allow extra time when travelling.

Forecasters say untreated pavements and cycle paths may become treacherous, and there is a small chance of power cuts in more exposed locations. Buses and trains could be cancelled or delayed, they added.

Where the warnings apply

The ice warning for Wednesday covers a wide area of Wales, including:

Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan, Wrexham.

The snow and ice alert on Wednesday and Thursday focuses on south west Wales and includes Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Swansea.

Pembrokeshire dangler could dump heavy snow locally

Meteorologists say a feature known as the Pembrokeshire dangler will be key to the wintry conditions. BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway explained that this is a narrow, persistent band of heavy showers that forms when cold, northerly air blows over the relatively warmer Irish Sea.

“The air converges, forcing it to rise, creating towering clouds and frequent heavy showers of rain, hail, sleet and snow with a risk of thunder,” Derek said. “While places under the dangler can get hammered, locations a few miles away may remain dry. In winter, these bands have been known to drop as much as 20cm of snow in places.”

Forecasters expect small snow accumulations in affected areas, especially overnight and further inland. Most places are likely to see little or no lying snow, but communities and transport routes above about 300 metres could receive more significant amounts. Up to 5cm of snow is possible in some spots, with around 10cm on higher ground in Pembrokeshire and west Carmarthenshire.

Gusty winds and hail may accompany showers, and falling temperatures will increase the risk of ice.

Travel and safety advice

Meteorologists and public agencies are advising people to take sensible precautions.

Plan to leave at least five minutes earlier than usual to reduce the risk of slips and falls. If walking, try to stick to main pavements that are more likely to have been treated. Cyclists should consider using main roads rather than minor routes. If you can, check on elderly neighbours and offer to help clear paths or collect essentials.

The Met Office says it is safer not to drive in icy conditions. If driving is unavoidable, travel slowly, and make all movements gently, including accelerating, braking, steering and changing gear, to reduce the risk of skids. Using a higher gear may help with grip on packed ice. Drivers should also check tyres and screen wash, and carry warm clothing, food, drink, a blanket and a torch.

Public transport firms will publish updates on cancellations and delays, and people should check the status of their whole journey before setting out.

Read More: Wales weather 3 warnings issued as heavy rain brings risk of flooding across Wales

Why this matters now

Outbreaks of rain combined with freezing temperatures overnight on Tuesday could leave widespread icy patches on Wednesday morning across much of Wales. While much of the central belt may only see snow on higher ground, falling temperatures on Tuesday night could bring snow to lower levels temporarily.

Bitter northerly winds later in the week will keep conditions cold, and frequent snow showers could reach sea level in northern coastal areas and along some eastern and western coasts. The coldest spots on Thursday night could fall to around minus 10C in exposed locations.