**Wales Faces Mixed Weather as Met Office Predicts Rain, Hail and Warm Temperatures**
Weather forecasters at the Met Office are predicting an unsettled 24 hours ahead for Wales, with showers, bouts of heavy rain, and even hail possible in some areas. This follows a yellow weather warning previously issued for Monday, although large parts of the nation remained largely unaffected by rainfall at that time.
Despite the warnings, residents across most of Wales woke up to dry conditions on Tuesday. Early forecasts from the Met Office suggested that the majority of the country would remain dry throughout the morning, though the risk of isolated showers persisted in some pockets. However, meteorological models point to a change as the day progresses, particularly for the southern and southwestern regions.
By the afternoon, forecasters predict that rain clouds will build, bringing heavier showers to areas such as Carmarthenshire and Neath. According to the weather service, there is also the potential for these showers to turn into hailstorms by around 2pm. The latest predictive maps highlight these developments, indicating that hail could affect both Cardigan and Carmarthenshire in particular.
Tuesday is otherwise expected to feel unseasonably warm for this stage of spring. Temperatures may rise as high as 24°C, which, combined with sunny spells, could provide a temporary respite before the showers begin. The Met Office states: “Any early mist and fog patches will clear, giving way to a mostly fine day with warm, sunny intervals. However, heavy, possibly thundery showers are likely to develop in the south during the afternoon. It will be warm with light winds, becoming gustier around any heavy downpours.”
As evening approaches, the latest updates suggest that daytime showers will gradually fade away, offering several parts of Wales a return of late sunshine. The forecast for Tuesday night anticipates mostly dry weather conditions with some variable cloud and clear intervals. Temperatures are expected to drop considerably, reaching lows of around 6°C, and there’s even a possibility of a fleeting frost in more exposed rural locations.
Meteorological data visualised in the most recent Met Office weather maps paint a detailed picture of the situation. Light blue bands on the maps indicate lighter rainfall, while dark blue zones signal areas expect heavier downpours. Notably, orange highlights pinpoint where hail is forecast, with deeper shades signalling more intense activity.
An hour-by-hour look at the maps presents a changing scene:
– At 12pm, rainfall is anticipated near towns such as Neath and Carmarthen, though these will mostly be light showers.
– At 1pm, precipitation intensifies across a slightly larger area, with more pockets of heavier rain developing.
– By 2pm to 2.15pm, the threat of hail emerges near Cardigan before moving west, and Carmarthenshire looks set for similar impacts. Rain showers in both the south and southwest reach their peak during this timeframe.
– Come 3pm, some communities will still be under threat from hail, as heavy rain continues in isolated places.
– At 4pm, maps show the hail risk diminishes, though some rain lingers especially in southern parts.
For residents, these rapidly shifting forecasts underscore the unpredictable nature of UK spring weather. Even as temperatures soar and sunshine breaks through, the potential for sudden heavy showers and hail remains real for portions of the country. Forecasters advise keeping an eye on real-time updates, especially for those travelling or with outdoor plans in the southern and southwestern areas.
The latest developments also serve as a reminder of the importance of being weather-aware, particularly during periods of mixed and extreme meteorological behaviour. With weather warnings still possible, the Met Office recommends regular checks on their digital platforms to stay informed of any sudden changes.
With temperatures set to remain on the warmer side during the day but turn chilly by night, it is advised that residents dress in layers and prepare for a variety of possible conditions—ranging from sunny warmth to unexpected showers, and potentially a fresh start the following morning.