South West sees improvement as snow and downpours ease
Advices for caution remain despite milder weekend forecast
The harsh weather conditions affecting parts of the UK, including the South West, are expected to subside on Thursday (19 February) with forecasts predicting a milder weekend ahead.
The Met Office has issued three separate yellow weather warnings set to expire on Thursday morning, one of which was for snow covering north and south-west England and parts of the West Midlands and Wales.
Forecasts hint at icy stretches across Wales while temperatures likely drop to near or below freezing, prompting a call for vigilance from weather experts regarding slippery roads and pavements.
Improvements in the unsettled weather are anticipated throughout Thursday morning, leading to milder conditions by the weekend, possibly reaching temperatures as high as 16°C in some sheltered regions.
Chief Met Office forecaster Jason Kelly highlighted potential impacts and risks associated with the current weather situation:
"There is potential for rain, sleet, and snow to affect parts of Wales, central England, and the southern Pennines from Wednesday evening into early Thursday.
"Strong east to northeasterly winds could increase impacts, and ice is also a risk as temperatures drop overnight.
"We are keeping a close eye on how this weather system evolves, so do be prepared for weather warnings to change and stay up to date with the weather forecast in your area."
Further advice has been issued by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, which suggests drivers avoid non-essential journeys, prepare emergency kits, and allocate additional time for travel.