Parts of west Wales climbed to around 20.9C in last week’s sunshine, making it feel more like late spring than mid‑March, but temperatures are now forecast to plunge back towards and below freezing.
According to the Met Office, a shift from high pressure to a colder, more unsettled north‑westerly pattern will bring bands of rain across Wales on Tuesday before much colder air sweeps in behind.
By the early hours of Wednesday, wintry showers are expected to develop across north and mid Wales, falling as hail, sleet and snow, particularly over the hills in the north. Forecasters say accumulations are likely to be modest at lower levels but up to around 5cm of snow is possible on the highest peaks of Eryri.
While no snow is currently expected in south Wales, it will be cold with temperatures are set to dip into low single figures at night and the forecast shows outbreaks of rain instead.
The colder air will be reinforced overnight, with thermometers predicted to dip below zero in some inland spots on Wednesday night, leading to a widespread frost and the risk of icy patches on untreated roads and pavements into Thursday morning.
Daytime highs are expected to struggle between 6C and 10C, but brisk winds will make it feel closer to low single figures for many.
People are being urged to keep an eye on local forecasts, allow extra time for journeys and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, especially in northern and higher parts of Wales where the wintry showers are most likely.
