AFTER a cold opening start to January with snow across Wales, the topsy-turvy weather that we experienced in 2010, appears to still be with us in 2011 predicts Abergavenny Chronicle weatherman Jonathan Powell of Positive Weather Solutions. 

For the week to come, continuous Atlantic weather systems will batter Wales, with heavy rainfall leading to localised flooding.  Along with it, the giddy heights of 11c/52f may well be achieved across many parts of Wales, that's double the average for January, and more in line with April values. 

The western side of Wales will bare the brunt of strong to gale force winds, accompanied by several inches of rain  The key days seem to be late Monday onwards until Thursday.  The following week winter will return, with colder temperatures and snow for a number of areas.

A spokesperson for PWS said, "The main concern over the coming week has to be the amount of rain, with western areas most at risk from flooding, and those hit in the past few years by flooding, better brace themselves.

"'We lurch from one extreme to the other, with milder and wetter conditions replacing the cold and snowy weather.

 "There is a danger that some of the rain will fall as snow to the north over the hills.

"Winter will return in the latter part of January with freezing temperatures and snowfall."