TEMPERATURES are set to plummet this week as yet another weather warning has been issued.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice for parts of the UK this week, which is set to hit Wales this weekend.

Wrexham will see temperatures drop to as low as -3 on Friday with similar temperatures in Denbighshire and Flintshire.

The yellow weather warning will be in force for parts of North Wales from midnight on Saturday to 11.59pm.

The Met Office said: "Snow is likely to spread east during Saturday with some accumulations in places and icy stretches. Potential for disruption to travel."

Looking at the forecast for the week, the Met Office issued the following:

Today - A frosty morning, then a largely dry day with sunny spells and patchy cloud. Further isolated snow showers remain possible, especially across eastern areas. Windy, but less so than Tuesday. Feeling cold. Maximum temperature 3 °C.

Tonight - A clear and dry night, allowing a widespread harsh frost and freezing fog to form. Cloud will build from the south before dawn. Very cold. Minimum temperature -4 °C.

Thursday - A frosty start with lingering fog in places. A dry but cloudy day following, with wintry showers across southwestern areas later on. Feeling cold with further frost likely overnight. Maximum temperature 3 °C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday - Largely dry but cold Friday. Milder, wet, and windy on Saturday and Sunday, as bands of rain and hill snow move eastwards across the country. Risk of coastal gales throughout.

What to expect

  • Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services. Small chance of more prolonged delays with stranded vehicles and cancelled rail and air travel.
  • There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off
  • There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
  • A small chance that untreated pavements and cycle paths become impassable

Public Health Wales is urging people to remain vigilant and look out for neighbours.

A spokesman said:"Cold weather can pose serious public health risks, causing ‘excess’ deaths in winter compared with the rest of the year. This is because cold weather can contribute to hypothermia, falls and injuries, heart attacks, strokes, respiratory diseases and flu, mental health problems, such as depression, and carbon monoxide poisoning from poorly maintained or poorly ventilated boilers, cooking and heating appliances.

"Those most vulnerable to cold weather include older people, very young children and people with pre-existing medical conditions, as well as those whose health, housing or economic circumstances put them at greater risk of harm.

"Cold-related illnesses and severe cold weather can place particular pressure on hospitals, emergency departments and GP surgeries."

When cold weather is expected, Public Health Wales said you should:

  • Stay informed. Keep up to date with forecast weather conditions on the television, radio and internet and in newspapers. Check the latest weather reports metoffice.gov.uk
  • Avoid catching colds or flu. Always cover your nose or mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and encourage visitors and relatives to do the same. Throw away used tissues as soon as possible. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Stock up on over the counter cough and cold remedies and paper tissues.
  • Keep warm to minimise the risk of hypothermia (a condition where the body becomes dangerously cold). Maintain your heating to the right temperature (between 18°C/65°F (bedroom) and 21°C/70°F (dayroom), so you can keep warm and keep your bills as low as possible. Use room thermostats or other heating controls if you have them. Have a room thermometer so you can monitor the temperature indoors.

More information can be found online at https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/environmental-public-health/extreme-cold-weather/