The Met Office has widened its amber extreme heat warning to include much of Wales, alongside southern England and the Midlands, as forecasters warn temperatures could reach record-breaking levels next week. The warning is in force throughout Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures expected to climb to 35°C by Tuesday and Wednesday. There is growing confidence that the UK's June temperature record of 35.6°C, set in Southampton in 1976, could be broken.
Areas Affected in Wales
In Wales, the amber warning covers Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Health and Safety Precautions
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said the heat would become increasingly widespread and uncomfortable. High humidity will make it feel warmer, and tropical nights with temperatures above 20°C are likely, especially in urban areas. The warning highlights risks to health, particularly for vulnerable people, and raises concerns about pressure on transport networks, energy supplies and water resources. Health officials have issued heat health alerts.
Schools across Wales are taking precautions. One Cardiff school urged students to bring refillable water bottles, wear hats, and apply sunscreen. The RNLI also warns of cold water shock as more people head to beaches, advising the "Float to Live" technique and swimming at lifeguarded beaches.
Outlook and Climate Context
Forecasters say isolated thunderstorms may develop on Monday and Tuesday, and temperatures are likely to remain exceptionally high through much of the week. Climate experts say the growing frequency and intensity of heatwaves is consistent with long-term warming trends, with human-induced climate change significantly increasing the likelihood of extreme heat events in the UK.
