Freeze to hit much of Wales overnight

Temperatures will plunge below freezing on Friday night as the Met Office warns that severe cold weather and icy conditions could increase health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt services.

Many areas will struggle to rise above zero overnight, while some areas of high ground in Wales could see as much as 4in-6in of snow.

The Met says although temperatures are "colder than average", and there are more snow and ice warnings than this time last year, the current weather is "typical British winter weather".

Wales will be 0C (32F) in some parts, but other areas such as Aberystwyth will be 2C (35.6F) as it benefits from some shelter from Northern Ireland, and Holyhead is expected to be as high as 4C (39.2F).

Health authorities have urged people to help vulnerable family and friends to keep warm.

Tonight: Mostly dry and clear this evening. During the early hours, a band of rain, sleet and snow will move southeastwards, with snow settling in places, especially over hills. A fairly widespread frost will develop, with localised icy patches likely. Minimum Temperature -4 °C.

Saturday: Another cold day with sunny spells and scattered wintry showers, mainly in the west, where locally heavy and perhaps thundery. Showers possibly falling as snow, especially over the hills. Maximum Temperature 7 °C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday: Cold, with sunshine and isolated wintry showers. Overnight frosts with isolated freezing fog and icy patches. Outbreaks of rain, sleet or snow are likely on Tuesday.