As North Wales braces itself for another bout of severe winter weather, communities across the region are contending with snow, ice, and widespread disruption. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for snow and ice, affecting large swathes of Wales and the UK from Sunday, January 4, through Tuesday morning, January 6, 2026. Residents of Wrexham, Flintshire, Conwy, Denbighshire, and Gwynedd are among those facing the brunt of the wintry conditions, with the warnings sparking school closures, hazardous travel, and mounting concern among local authorities and the public alike.
According to the Met Office, snow showers and icy conditions are expected to persist, with 1 to 3 centimeters of snow likely to fall widely across the affected regions. Some higher and more inland parts of Wales could see as much as 5 to 8 centimeters, while the Preseli Mountains in South Wales might receive up to 10 centimeters. The outlook is particularly challenging for Wrexham and Flintshire, where snow is forecast to arrive late Monday evening and continue into Tuesday morning before transitioning to rain or hail later that day.
"Elsewhere in the UK, snow showers, ice and frost are expected at times but milder air will make attempts to spread eastward from Tuesday," Matthew Lehnert, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, explained. "This will mean rain becomes more likely in the south, but there is also the possibility of more organised snow along the boundary of the mild and cold airmasses. Strong winds could also be a feature later in the week."
The Met Office’s warnings are not just academic—they have real-world consequences for daily life. Roads across North Wales have become treacherous, with several closures and significant congestion reported as of Monday, January 5. According to local travel updates, the A548 is experiencing slow traffic from Llanrwst to Llanfairtalhaiarn, while the A55’s westbound J9 Treborth off slip is backed up due to poor driving conditions. The A470, a major artery, is partially blocked near Cross Foxes following an accident, and the A487 is similarly affected between Bethel and Parc Menai. The iconic A542 Horseshoe Pass has become impassable between B5103 and A5104, underscoring the severity of the conditions.
Other routes, including the A458, A494, and A5, remain technically open but are plagued by slow-moving traffic and hazardous stretches. The A4086, which traverses some of Snowdonia’s most scenic terrain, is passable but only with extreme caution. The knock-on effects have been felt by commuters, delivery drivers, and emergency services, all of whom are facing longer journey times and increased risks.
Schools across the region have not been spared, with a host of closures already confirmed. For many families, this means a sudden shift to at-home learning or childcare, compounding the logistical headaches brought on by the weather. Local authorities have urged parents to check with individual schools for updates and to monitor official channels for the latest information.
Public safety is a growing concern as the cold snap continues. The Met Office has warned that untreated roads and pavements are especially dangerous, increasing the risk of slips and falls. "We advise leaving the house at least five minutes earlier to avoid rushing, which can reduce the risk of accidents," the agency said in its latest guidance. "Stick to main roads where pavements and cycle paths are more likely to be treated and less slippery."
Travelers are being encouraged to check road conditions and public transport schedules before setting out, and to amend travel plans if necessary. For motorists, the advice is clear: carry a winter kit in your vehicle. This should include warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, torch, ice scraper, de-icer, warning triangle, high-visibility vest, and an in-car phone charger. These precautions, while perhaps inconvenient, could prove vital if drivers find themselves stranded or delayed by the weather.
Monday’s forecast underscores the urgency of these warnings. Daytime temperatures are expected to peak at a chilly 3°C, while overnight lows could plunge to –7°C. Scattered sleet and snow showers will persist into Monday night and Tuesday morning, with the risk of further accumulation—especially in higher ground. As Tuesday progresses, the weather is set to become cloudier and slightly less cold, with patchy rain or sleet possible later in the afternoon. Southwesterly winds are expected to pick up, adding another layer of complexity to travel and outdoor activities.
Looking ahead, the weather offers little respite. The outlook from Wednesday to Friday, January 7 to 9, remains unsettled, with periods of heavy rain, possible hill snow, and further travel disruption likely. The latter part of the week may also bring strong winds and even gales, raising concerns about power outages, fallen trees, and additional hazards on the roads.
For many in North Wales, these conditions evoke memories of previous harsh winters, when snowdrifts and icy roads brought daily life to a standstill. Yet, the region’s resilience is on full display, with local councils, emergency services, and community groups working tirelessly to keep people safe and informed. Gritting teams have been out in force, treating main roads and key routes, while public transport operators are issuing regular updates on service changes and delays.
Despite these efforts, the unpredictability of the weather means that plans can change quickly. The Met Office has reminded the public that weather warnings may be updated as new information comes in, and staying up to date with the latest forecasts is strongly recommended. "We’re keeping a close eye on developments and will issue further advice as necessary," a spokesperson said.
The challenges posed by snow and ice are not unique to North Wales, but the region’s rugged landscape and rural communities mean that even modest snowfall can have outsized effects. For farmers, the cold snap brings concerns about livestock and feed supplies. For healthcare workers, reaching patients in remote areas becomes a logistical puzzle. And for the elderly or vulnerable, the risks associated with slips and falls are magnified.
As the week unfolds, the people of North Wales will be watching the skies—and their local news feeds—closely. Whether it’s a sudden closure on the A55 or an updated school schedule, information is as valuable as salt on the roads. In the meantime, the message from authorities is simple: exercise caution, plan ahead, and look out for one another as winter tightens its grip on the region.