The heat is returning this weekend and it will not be the last of it
This upcoming heatwave will bring perfect sunbathing weather for those planning a beach day in the Gower(Image: John Myers)
Wales is gearing up for some seriously hot weather this weekend as the Met Office has predicted yet another August heatwave lasting from Friday through to Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 20s and even low 30s – especially in the southeast where the temperature could reach 33°C.
The heatwave is expected to kick off on Friday with warm conditions already setting in. Eastern parts of Wales will likely see the highest temperatures while western areas will still feel the heat but slightly less intensely.
After some cloud on Thursday this weather map for Friday shows temperatures for much of Wales will reach the heatwave threshold of 25C
Saturday looks set to be the hottest day with places such as Monmouth, Newport, and Chepstow potentially reaching that 33°C mark making it a great day to enjoy outdoor activities. Coastal regions will be a bit cooler but still quite warm with temperatures hovering in the mid to high 20s.
Heat will intensify on Saturday with parts of Wales reaching 30C by the afternoon
Sunday will continue the trend of high temperatures with inland areas seeing highs around 32°C and coastal spots around 29°C.
On what is predicted to be day three of the heatwave, Sunday, temperatures will reach 26C
The heat doesn’t seem to be easing up on Monday and Tuesday either as warm conditions are expected to persist.
This extended period of heat could lead to some uncomfortable days and nights – especially since nights are predicted to remain warm with temperatures staying above 20°C.
Many towns and cities across the nation will still be reaching heatwave temperatures on Monday and Tuesday
These “tropical nights” can make it harder for people to get a good night’s sleep and might increase health risks, particularly for the elderly and those with health issues.
The UK Health Security Agency issued a yellow heat health alert on Monday for parts of England, which is a warning for people to take precautions to protect themselves during this spell of hot weather.
They advise that staying hydrated is key so drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential even if you don’t feel thirsty. It’s also a good idea to avoid prolonged sun exposure during the peak hours of 11am to 3pm and to keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains during the day and opening windows at night.
A heatwave in Wales is defined as three days where temperatures reach over 25°C. This threshold differs depending on where you are in the UK.
A spokesman for the Met Office issued the following forecast for the weekend: “It will be dry and mainly sunny on Friday and Saturday. It will be very warm and perhaps turning hot in places.”
The warm weather is likely to stay for the rest of the school holidays.
The weather agency’s long-range forecast for mid-to-late August states: “High pressure, and therefore largely settled conditions overall, appears more likely at first.
“Although dry weather is likely to dominate periods of rain or showers and thunderstorms may develop at times.
“Above-average temperatures overall seem most likely with the potential for further hot spells to develop, especially in the east and south.
“By the turn of the month there are signals for high pressure to become less dominant with perhaps a greater chance of some rain, possibly more likely in the south at first, though there is some uncertainty in this aspect of the forecast.”
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