Wales is set for a largely dry but colder Christmas week, with high pressure bringing more settled conditions as the festive period approaches.
According to the Met Office, temperatures will drop steadily through the week, with chilly easterly winds making it feel colder than the figures suggest. While there will be some cloud around at times, many areas should stay dry, especially from midweek onwards.
This evening and tonight
Cloud will increase from the east through the evening, with outbreaks of rain and drizzle pushing across Wales overnight. Hill fog is possible in higher areas, and it will remain relatively mild for the time of year. Overnight temperatures are expected to fall to around 5°C.
Tuesday
Tuesday will start off largely cloudy, but conditions should improve during the afternoon, particularly in western parts of Wales where sunny spells may develop. Temperatures will sit close to average for late December, reaching around 8°C, though it will feel colder in the brisk easterly breeze.
Christmas Eve Wednesday
Colder air arrives on Christmas Eve as high pressure strengthens across the UK. The day is expected to be drier and more settled, with variable cloud and some brighter spells. Easterly winds will bring a noticeable chill, and temperatures will begin to fall further after dark.
Christmas Day forecast
Christmas Day looks mostly dry for much of Wales, with a mix of cloud and occasional sunshine. A few light showers are possible later in the day, mainly along southwestern coastal areas. Daytime temperatures could struggle to rise above 2°C in some places, and the strong easterly wind will make it feel even colder.
The settled theme continues into the latter part of the week, with high pressure remaining dominant. There will be a mix of cloud and sunny spells, with the odd shower possible. Nights are expected to turn frosty, and it will stay windy and cold through to the end of the week.
Overall, while Wales is unlikely to see widespread snow, it will feel properly wintry in the run up to Christmas, so wrapping up warm will be essential for anyone heading out over the festive period.
