A yellow weather warning for snow is now in place from 6pm Thursday until midday Friday, covering Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Bridgend. Forecasters say many areas could see 5–10cm of snow, with as much as 20cm possible over higher ground in Carmarthenshire and the western Brecon Beacons.
(Image: Met Office)
Cold snap chaos continues across the region
The latest warning lands on top of two days of disruption across south west Wales. Hundreds of schools were forced to close across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Bridgend as temperatures plunged well below freezing and roads became treacherous.
In Pembrokeshire, road surface temperatures dipped to –4.5°C, leaving gritters struggling to keep up. Councils across the region urged people to stay at home unless absolutely necessary, warning that unnecessary journeys were putting extra pressure on emergency services and highways teams.
Drivers have faced blocked routes, abandoned vehicles and long delays, with wintry showers of snow, sleet and freezing rain continuing to sweep across the region through Tuesday and Wednesday.
(Image: 4×4 Response Wales)
What Storm Goretti will bring on Thursday night
Forecasters say Storm Goretti — named by Meteo France — will collide with the Arctic air currently sitting over Wales, creating a dangerous mix of weather conditions. As the storm pushes in from the west, heavy snow is expected to fall along its northern edge, while strong winds and driving rain hit coastal areas.
The Met Office says the combination of snow, ice and gale‑force gusts could cause further disruption to travel, schools and public transport. Coastal parts of Pembrokeshire and the Gower could see winds of 50–60mph, with exposed headlands possibly reaching 70mph.
Forecasters warn that the exact track of the storm is still uncertain, meaning weather warnings may be updated — or even escalated — as Thursday approaches.
Councils urge residents to avoid travel
Local authorities across Swansea Bay have repeated calls for residents to avoid travelling unless absolutely essential. Pembrokeshire Council said conditions remain “challenging”, with ice and drifting snow likely to return overnight. Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot councils have issued similar warnings, urging people to stay off the roads where possible.
Volunteer support on the ground
(Image: 4×4 Response Wales)
As snow and ice continue to cause disruption across south west Wales, volunteers from 4×4 Response South Wales have been working around the clock to support the NHS, care providers and vulnerable residents. The group said:
“Our team of #4x4responsesouthwales volunteers have been flat out and working around the clock supporting the NHS, Care Providers and our local communities.”
Over the past 24 hours, the team has helped with urgent transport, welfare checks and access to remote areas cut off by snow and ice. Their efforts have drawn widespread praise online, with messages of thanks pouring in from across the region.
The group added:
“Thank you so much for your words of support and thanks — they are very much appreciated!”
(Image: 4×4 Response Wales)
Cold weather to linger into the weekend
Even after Storm Goretti passes, temperatures are expected to remain well below average into the weekend. Saturday may bring clearer skies, but ice and wintry showers will still pose a risk. Another area of low pressure is expected to arrive on Sunday, potentially bringing more snow before milder air finally moves in to end the cold spell.
