The heatwave is forecast to last as temperatures are set to hits highs of 30°C in parts of Wales
People are urged to stay indoors or keep in the shade as much as they can during the heatwave(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
People have been warned to stay indoors in Wales in the hottest part of the day with a heatwave forecast for the next few days. A heatwave is expected to sweep Wales throughout this week heading to the weekend with highs of 30°C in many parts of the country.
Across the border the UK Health Security Agency alongside the Met Office has set an amber alert for England, cautioning that a ‘rise in deaths is likely’ due to the sweltering temperatures.
The warning concerning extreme heat was made effective from 12pm today, Thursday, and is expected to continue until 9am on Monday June 23. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
The UK is bracing itself for soaring temperatures with forecasts predicting highs of 31°C on Thursday and Friday, which could then escalate to 33°C by Saturday, remaining in the low 30s come Sunday, according to the Met Office. Check the latest reports for the hottest parts of Wales and this weekend’s weather here.
The alerts, indicating possible increased demand on healthcare providers among vulnerable groups, apply across all of England. An official heatwave is confirmed when specific regions experience designated temperatures—ranging from 25°C to 28°C depending on location—for three successive days. 29°C.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “We have already seen warm weather across the week, and temperatures are set to increase in the coming days, exceeding 30°C in many areas.
“Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
“The forecasted high temperatures may also lead to an increasing demand for remote health care services and an impact on the ability of services delivered due to heat effects on the work force.’’
Numerous charities are stepping up with guidance as the temperature rises. Among them, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) urges individuals, particularly those with heart conditions, to adopt precautionary measures to sidestep potential health dangers during periods of intense heat.
Senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, Ruth Goss, warned: “You can be at greater risk from the heat if you have a heart condition, as high temperatures can put extra strain on your heart.
“Elderly people and very young children have more difficulty regulating their temperature and so can be more at risk from extreme temperatures. In hot weather, check on your friends and relatives regularly to make sure they are cool and comfortable.
“The most important way you can protect your heart in the heat is to stay cool and keep hydrated.”
Age UK has called for people to check on older family members, friends, and neighbours to ensure they’re coping with the sweltering conditions. Caroline Abrahams, the charity’s director, highlighted the increased dangers during a heatwave: “The heat is expected to build during the week, becoming hottest at the weekend and as temperatures rise, those with long-term health conditions impacting their heart, lungs or kidneys can be at extra risk.”
She went on to explain that age makes it more difficult to adjust to extreme heat. “Generally, our bodies find it harder to adapt to more extreme temperatures as we age.
“Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke can all worsen certain conditions, increasing strain on the body, and some medications make us more susceptible to hot weather.”
Public Health Wales is also warning people to take care in the heat. It is advising people to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, apply sunscreen with SPF 30+ and staying in the shade or indoors between 11am and 3pm.
People should also and wear loose, light clothing and keep their homes cool by closing curtains or blinds on windows that get direct sun. ️People are also being asked to check neighbours, older people, babies, and anyone living alone.
Met Office forecast for Wales
Forecasters say it will be dry and hot for many, thunderstorms possible on Saturday.
Thursday evening and Tonight:
Very warm and sunny this evening but turning increasingly hazy and cloudier later. Mainly dry overnight but a few showers are possible in the west, with flashes of lightning possible. Staying warm with gusty easterly winds developing in the southwest. Minimum temperature 17°C.
Friday
Somewhat cloudier than Thursday with isolated showers at first. Otherwise mainly dry with sunny periods developing. Feeling hot in the sunshine though breezier than on Thursday. Very high pollen levels. Maximum temperature 30°C.
Saturday and Sunday
Showers possible more widely on Saturday, these thundery in places, though still sunny periods for many. Fresher on Sunday and Monday with isolated showers and warm sunny spells. Often breezy.
According to Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley, heat will be the “dominant story” around the UK as a whole, with temperatures reaching heatwave levels in certain parts of the UK.
He stated: “Saturday is expected to be the peak of this hot spell, with temperatures fairly widely reaching into the low 30 Celsius across parts of England, with high 20s likely as far north as northern and eastern Scotland. It will also be very warm at night over the weekend, with the potential for a few places to experience a ‘tropical night’, when temperatures do not drop below 20C.”
Some areas in northern and western regions may experience thundery showers on Friday and throughout the weekend. However, towards the end of the weekend and the start of the following week, temperatures are expected to drop due to the arrival of fresher conditions, which might also bring more unsettled weather, as mentioned by the forecaster.