**Wales News Round-Up: Weather Warnings, Major Road Works and More for Monday, 26 May**
Wales is beginning the week with a busy array of breaking news, weather alerts and travel advisories, as communities across the nation look to take advantage of the Bank Holiday Monday. From stubbornly unsettled weather forecasts to significant planned motorway works, here’s everything you need to know as the day unfolds.
Motorists heading along the M4 are being urged to plan their journeys well in advance, following the announcement of major roadworks between junctions 37 and 38, near Pyle. Beginning 9 June, this stretch will see a combination of full and partial lane closures for around six months. The extensive refurbishment project will focus on five bridges along the route and authorities stress that the work is critical for ensuring the long-term safety and resilience of this vital motorway artery. Disruption is inevitable, and alternative routes should be considered wherever possible.
Road users are also being asked to be extra vigilant in north Wales, where drivers crossing the A55 Britannia Bridge in Gwynedd face fresh risks from severe winds today. Motorists have been alerted to 30 mph speeds, as weather conditions threaten to worsen. Such warnings are being echoed by local authorities, who are urging drivers to exercise caution, especially when travelling across exposed routes.
The weather outlook across Wales is not bringing much respite either. According to the Met Office, the nation can expect a bright start to the morning in some areas, only for cloud cover to increase as the day progresses. By this afternoon, longer spells of rain—sometimes heavy and persistent, especially in the north—are likely to set in. Winds will remain a factor throughout, giving the day a cooler feel than many had hoped for over the bank holiday. The maximum projected temperature stands at a modest 16°C.
Elsewhere, local news continues to dominate headlines, with stories ranging from tragic accidents to uplifting community efforts. A 70-year-old Welshman remains in hospital in Thailand after a serious motorbike crash; his family is now rallying together to raise funds for his medical care. Such incidents highlight the vulnerabilities travellers may face abroad, particularly when it comes to access to health resources.
In property news, new research has highlighted the most and least expensive seaside towns in Wales, with Mumbles standing out as one of the priciest coastal spots in Britain, and house prices remaining under half a million pounds. The data underscores continuing debates around affordable housing and the popularity of Welsh seasides among both locals and those seeking a retreat from bustling urban life.
Wales has also been thrust into the national conversation following the Met Office’s extended outlook for June, which hints at a month marked by extreme fluctuations—ranging from thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to hot spells and occasional dry intervals. The overall forecast can be summed up in a single word, ‘changeable,’ reflecting the unpredictable nature of British weather as we move deeper into summer.
There have also been concerning reports from Welsh beaches, where incidents including the sighting of a venomous adder slithering into the sea have left some onlookers alarmed. Such occurrences have prompted safety reminders, particularly for paddleboarders and dog walkers who may not be expecting to encounter wildlife during their leisure activities.
To add a positive note to the day, community initiatives and financial resilience workshops, such as those run by NatWest, are continuing around Cardiff. These events are designed to help individuals manage the rising cost of living and offer practical advice for navigating economic challenges.
As ever, Wales’s dynamic mix of local, national and international news continues to shape the start of the week. Readers are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates, keep an eye on weather and road alerts, and take care as the holiday draws to a close.