THE MET OFFICE has issued new yellow weather warnings for snow and ice affecting large parts of Wales as Arctic air continues to grip the UK into the first week of January 2026.

A yellow warning for snow is in place from early Sunday morning (03:00 GMT on January 4) until midday, focusing on northern and western areas including Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire, and Powys. Heavy snow showers could bring 2-4 cm of accumulation quickly in some spots, with up to 10 cm possible in isolated locations, particularly over higher ground.

This follows an ice warning covering much of Wales until midday on Sunday, January 4, with icy stretches expected on untreated roads and pavements. Further warnings extend into Monday, including snow and ice alerts from Sunday afternoon through to Tuesday morning, potentially bringing 1-3 cm widely and 5-10 cm over higher areas like the Preseli Mountains in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion.

Potential impacts include:

• Disruptions to travel with longer journey times by road, bus, and train
• Risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
• Icy patches forming rapidly on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths
• Possible small snow accumulations, with hail in some showers adding to slippery conditions

The Met Office said: “Snow showers are expected to push inland, falling as snow even at lower levels in places. Whilst not all locations will see snow, 1-3 cm could develop in many places, with the potential for 5-8 cm (or locally more) to build up in a few locations, particularly across inland and higher parts of Wales. Icy stretches are likely to form widely.”

Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong added: “With Arctic air covering most of the UK, very cold weather will continue, with daytime temperatures struggling to rise above 0°C for some and overnight frosts widespread.”

The ongoing cold spell has already brought wintry conditions across the UK, with warnings in place for other regions including Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of England. Motorists are advised to plan journeys carefully, allow extra time, and drive to the conditions.

The UK Health Security Agency has amber cold health alerts in force across England until January 6, urging people to check on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours.

SNOW and icy conditions have caused travel disruption across parts of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, with higher ground particularly affected as a spell of wintry weather grips the county.

Snow fell overnight and into Sunday morning (Jan 4), settling in places across the Preseli Hills and making some routes difficult or hazardous. A Met Office yellow weather warning for snow and ice remains in force until 11:00am, with further icy conditions expected as temperatures stay low.

Dyfed-Powys Police warned motorists to take extra care, particularly on rural roads. Conditions on the A478 between Cardigan and Blaenffos were described as “extremely poor,” while the A478 at Boncath was reported by the AA to be “just passable.”

Earlier the A487 between Llanrhystud and Aberystwyth was closed by police due to slippery conditions, but re-opened an hour or so later.

Drivers are being urged to plan extra time for journeys, consider alternative routes where possible, and only travel if necessary.

The snowfall is being driven by a weather phenomenon known locally as the Pembrokeshire Dangler — a narrow but persistent band of wintry showers that can develop when cold air moves over the relatively warm Irish Sea, often delivering snow to west Wales and nearby coastal areas.

Forecasters say one to three centimetres of snow could fall widely, with higher accumulations possible on upland areas, including the Preseli Hills. As temperatures drop below freezing overnight, there is a continued risk of ice forming on untreated surfaces.

In response to the cold conditions, Pembrokeshire County Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP). The council is seeking accommodation for known rough sleepers across the weekend due to the risk posed by extremely low temperatures.

Anyone sleeping rough may be able to access emergency shelter by contacting the council’s Gateway team at [email protected] before 5:00pm. After 5:00pm, the council’s out-of-hours team can be contacted on 0300 123 5519.

The Met Office says cold conditions are likely to continue into the early part of next week, with frost and icy patches expected overnight and further wintry showers possible.

Residents are being advised to check travel conditions before setting out and to look out for vulnerable people during the cold weather.

EMERGENCY SERVICES have launched a major multi-agency search operation after a man was reported to have entered the River Teifi in Cardigan in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were alerted at around 5.15am after concerns were raised for a man who is believed to have gone into the water from the Castle Street bridge.

Police are working alongside Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and HM Coastguard, with search teams operating along the riverbank and on the water.

A helicopter and drone have also been deployed as part of the search effort, with officers conducting coordinated searches on foot, by boat and from the air.

Members of the public have been urged to stay away from the area while the operation continues.

Dyfed-Powys Police said anyone who may have information that could assist officers, or if the person believed to have entered the water is now safe, should contact them as soon as possible.

Anyone with information can contact police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference 52 of Saturday (Jan 4).