Wales is braced for a wet and windy end to the weekend, as the Met Office issues a Yellow Weather Warning covering much of the country.
After a briefly dry but cloudy start this morning, a band of heavy rain has spread northeastwards through Wales, bringing prolonged downpours and widespread strong winds. Gales are likely in exposed areas, with conditions expected to remain unsettled into Monday.
Temperatures today are reaching up to 18°C, feeling muggy compared to recent days, before falling to around 12°C overnight. Clearer spells will develop later, but heavy, blustery showers will continue with gale force winds likely.
Monday will bring more strong, gusty winds and heavy showers. Some brighter intervals are possible, but it will feel cool in exposed areas with highs of 17°C. The unsettled weather is expected to ease slightly from Tuesday, which looks drier and brighter, before another spell of wind and rain midweek.
The Yellow Weather Warning covers the following areas of Wales: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham.
What to expect
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Delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely
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Some bus and train journeys may take longer
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High-sided vehicles could be affected on exposed routes and bridges
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Power cuts and disruption to services are possible
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Coastal routes and communities may be impacted by spray and large waves
The Met Office says inland gusts are expected to reach 45–55mph, with 60–70mph possible at times along exposed coasts and higher ground. Winds will only ease gradually from the west later on Monday.
Safety advice
Drivers are being urged to check conditions before setting off and amend travel plans if needed. People living in affected areas are advised to prepare for potential power cuts by keeping essentials such as torches, spare batteries and power packs to hand.
Coastal visitors are warned to take extra care, with large waves posing risks even from the shore. The Coastguard advises staying well clear of the water during stormy conditions and keeping dogs on a lead near cliffs.
Weather warnings can change quickly, so the public is encouraged to stay updated on the latest forecasts at the Met Office website: Met Office Weather Forecast.
