Campaign News

Gwent temperatures set to fall below -10C

By Andy Rutherford

9:20am Saturday 4th February 2012

GWENT is braced for rain, sleet and snow this weekend, with the cold snap bringing temperatures down to -10.25C.

And the elderly are being urged to make sure their homes are adequately heated, and they wrap up warm if going out.

Thermometers plunged to -10.25C in Tredegar and -9.25C in Usk on Thursday night, with last night well below freezing too, having barely risen above zero all day.

But a weather system from the Atlantic is set to bring rain, sleet and snow, this afternoon, with a Met Office severe weather warning issued. A spokesman predicted up to five centimetres of snow on higher ground.

Another night of sub-zero temperatures tonight is expected to bring problems with ice, though temperatures should begin to rise from Sunday.

The cold snap has brought pretty winter scenes, like this one at Pontypool Folly Tower, but also inconvenience.

Plunging temperatures meant pipes had to be defrosted yesterday at Abergavenny's castle and museum.

Motorists are warned to be extra careful and yesterday, icicles were cleared from inside the M4's Brynglas Tunnels, with a rolling roadblock.

The so far mild winter has triggered concern that current freezing temperatures have caught people off guard.

“Cold weather can lead to respiratory illnesses and increase the risk of older people suffering hypothermia, stroke or a heart attack," said Eileen Powell, executive director of Age Cymru Gwent.

“This is also a time when it is important we all look out for older relatives, friends and neighbours."

AGE Cymru's Spread The Warmth campaign promotes cold weather tips at www.agecymru.org.uk/spreadthewarmth - or contact Age Cymru Gwent on 01633 240190.

Advice on keeping warm and keeping down energy bills is available from the independent Home Heat Helpline on 0800 336699 or at www.homeheathelpline.org.uk

• Email this page