The Met Office has issued a rare amber extreme heat warning for parts of Wales, as temperatures could climb to the mid-30s Celsius in some areas of the UK. The hot spell is expected to begin early next week, with south-east Wales likely to see 30°C.
Heatwave Forecast Details
Forecasters predict high daytime temperatures and humid conditions, with overnight lows remaining above 20°C in urban areas. The amber warning, effective from 1am on Monday, June 22 until 11:59pm on Tuesday, June 22, covers Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Health and Safety Concerns
The Met Office warns that adverse health effects could affect everyone, particularly vulnerable groups. The public may experience sunburn or heat exhaustion, and there is an increased risk of water safety incidents as people head to coasts, lakes, and rivers. Transport disruption is also possible.
Temperature Outlook
Friday and Saturday will be warm, around 23°C, but temperatures will rise sharply from Sunday. Cardiff and Newport could reach 28°C on Sunday, while Swansea may see 26°C. The peak of the heatwave is expected on Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures approaching 30°C. Weather maps indicate eastern and south-eastern areas, including Newport, Monmouth, Abergavenny, and Hay-on-Wye, will experience the highest temperatures.
The Met Office stated: "Following very warm weather on Sunday, very high temperatures are expected on Monday and Tuesday and will likely bring widespread impacts to people and infrastructure. In addition to high daytime maxima, temperatures overnight will remain very warm, especially in larger urban areas, and it will also feel humid. Temperatures are likely to reach the mid-30s Celsius in places on Monday and Tuesday. Some places, particularly in urban areas, may see temperatures remain above 20°C overnight."
The very high temperatures may continue across a smaller area into the middle of the week, but there is some uncertainty regarding the extent of this.
