2022 was a year of extremes for Wales, marked by the worst storm in a generation, record-breaking heat, and political upheaval. Storm Eunice caused widespread flooding and damage, while the two hottest days ever recorded were also logged. The year saw a return to normalcy as Covid restrictions were lifted, but the aftermath of the pandemic lingered, with a cost of living crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.
Politics dominated headlines as Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss came and went, while First Minister Mark Drakeford clashed with Johnson over Covid rules. Local elections in May proved disastrous for the Tories, who lost control of Monmouthshire, their only Welsh council, as Labour and Plaid Cymru made gains. Wales also welcomed refugees from Ukraine and bid farewell to a monarch, welcoming a new King and a new Prince and Princess of Wales.
Sport provided both agony and ecstasy: Wales won gold at the Commonwealth Games, the rugby team suffered a shock defeat to Italy, and the football team ended 64 years of hurt by qualifying for the World Cup, inspiring renditions of a 40-year-old folk song. The year also saw the passing of two Welsh rugby heroes and a beloved actress.
Court cases shook the nation, including the murder of five-year-old Logan Mwangi by his mother and stepfather, a homophobic killing in Cardiff, and the sentencing of 18 people for a riot in Swansea. Pollution issues emerged, with a sewage-linked parasite in a river and human faeces found on Snowdon.
Cultural milestones included Wrexham being named Wales' seventh city for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Ed Sheeran playing to over 200,000 fans in Cardiff, and actor Jonathan Pryce receiving a knighthood. The Urdd, Wales Today, and Aberystwyth University celebrated significant anniversaries, while the year ended with a New Year's honours list recognizing Covid heroes and sports stars.
