FORECASTERS have upgraded a weekend weather warning to amber for snow and ice across Wales.

The new amber warning mainly covers inland areas, with coastal parts of Wales still being under a yellow warning.

The amber warning for snow and ice, which covers inland areas such as Machynlleth, Lampeter and Carmarthen runs from 6pm on Saturday until 12pm on Sunday.

The warning says: "Snow will become persistent and locally heavy as it pushes south to north across the warning area. As well as snow, a period of freezing rain is also likely bringing some hazardous travel conditions, before milder air follows across all areas by Sunday morning.

"Whilst there is some uncertainty in details, 3-7 cm of snow is likely for much of the warning area, with locally 15-30 cm for the higher ground of Wales and the southern Pennines. Freezing rain could lead to ice accretion in places, especially parts of Wales, before the milder air leads to a rapid thaw of snow and ice in the south of the warning area through Sunday."

The yellow warning, which covers all of Wales including coastal towns such as Aberystwyth, Tenby, Tywyn and Cardigan, runs from midday until the end of Sunday.

It states: "Outbreaks of rain spreading progressively northeastwards later on Saturday and overnight into Sunday will likely be preceded by a spell of snow on its northern flank. Whilst there is some uncertainty, any snow in southern and eastern parts of England, especially at low levels, will probably be rather transient before turning back to rain. However, some significant accumulations of snow are possible across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England in particular, at least for a time, where 5 cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with perhaps as much as 20-30 cm over high ground of mid and north Wales and potentially 30-40 cm over parts of the Pennines. This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.

"In addition, as milder air moves northwards, snow may turn to a spell of freezing rain for a time, again more especially across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England, adding to the risk of ice and leading to some treacherous conditions in places. A fairly rapid thaw of lying snow is possible later on Sunday, although exactly how far north the rapid thaw will reach remains uncertain at this stage.”

Ceredigion County Council says between 3-7cm or more of snow could accumulate widely, with 15-30cm over high ground in mid Wales.

There is also a risk of freezing rain causing ice to form on the highway.

A council spokesperson added: "Travel delays on roads are expected over the next few days along with the potential for delayed or cancelled public transport, and Ceredigion residents and visitors are advised to take extra precaution if travelling is essential.

"Ceredigion County Council are preparing for the icy conditions, and will be treating its precautionary salting network (which equates to 21% of the County network, in addition to the A44 and A487).

"Driving conditions are likely to remain challenging on both treated and untreated surfaces over the weekend due to snow, ice, and freezing rain.

"There is a chance of power cuts due to the weather, be prepared by charging any power banks and torches in case your power is affected.

"Please check on any vulnerable neighbours and if you are worried about them, get in touch with our Customer Contact Centre (CLIC) 01545 570881 or call NHS 111 if you have any health concerns.

"For Social Care concerns, please telephone 01545 574000.

"In an emergency (out of office hours only), contact Social Services Emergencies on 0300 4563554."