Snow warning in Wales as freezing weather continues

Snow on Saturday may not be confined to high ground, the Met Office says

The big freeze has continued in Wales with overnight temperatures dropping to -11C (12.2F) in Powys making it the coldest of the winter so far.

High pressure over Russia has caused the freeze, say forecasters.

The Met Office also issued a yellow "be aware" warning of snow for Saturday, with motorists urged to take care.

It said a band of snow was expected to move slowly across England and Wales during Saturday afternoon and evening, with about 5cm (2in), in places.

In Wales, it is expected to turn to sleet and then rain.

The Met office said some travel disruption should be expected, and advised people to check its website for more advice.

Overnight, Tirabad in Powys, between Llandovery and Builth Wells, fell to -11C (12.2F), while Pembrey Sands in Carmarthenshire and Capel Curig in Conwy reached -7C (19.4F).

St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan was as low as -5C (23F), Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire was -3C (26.6F) and Aberdaron in Gwynedd hit 0C (32F).

BBC Wales meteorologist Derek Brockway said Friday would be very cold, but mostly dry and bright with cloud spreading during the afternoon.

"The reason for the very cold spell is high pressure over Russia and that means easterly winds for the UK," he said.

Temperatures are expected to rise by the end of the weekend

"But over the weekend milder air over the Atlantic will try and push the cold air away.

"So on Saturday rain will spread across Wales with a risk of ice. Some snow too - a few centimetres likely, especially on higher ground before it turns to rain and temperatures rise."

The cold weather has already caused Thursday's meeting at Chepstow Racecourse to be abandoned due to a frozen track.

Race organisers at Ffos Las, Carmarthenshire, said they were "pulling out all the stops" to stage Saturday's planned meeting.

The course is covered in protective fleeces, and course officials hope rain on Saturday will bring a thaw for the Welsh Champion Hurdle and the inaugural West Wales National.

Recent cold weather has prompted the charity Age Cymru to urge older people to take extra care, and has published a series of tips to help elderly people combat the cold.