Wales is bracing for extreme heat on Thursday, with temperatures forecast to reach nearly 40°C as a red extreme heat warning remains in place for parts of the country. The Met Office has warned that the heat could lead to "serious illness or danger to life."
Peak Heat Expected at 4pm
After a warm and humid night where temperatures stayed in the 20s, the heat will climb rapidly on Thursday morning. By 10am, temperatures will already reach 29°C in many areas, and by midday, some parts like Cardigan and Carmarthen will hit 32°C. However, the hottest part of the day is expected around 4pm, with highs of 38°C. The Met Office forecast states: "A dry, warm and sunny start to the day. Turning even hotter as the day goes on with extreme heat continuing along with high humidity."
Red Weather Warning Area
The red extreme heat warning is in place until 11:59pm on Thursday for several areas including Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and the Vale of Glamorgan. The Met Office warns of "population-wide adverse health effects experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life."
Evening and Night Forecast
Temperatures will remain in the mid-30s through the evening, with coastal areas slightly cooler but still above 30°C. The night will be another warm one, with minimum temperatures around 17°C. The Met Office adds: "Staying very warm and humid overnight. Dry for most but elevated thunderstorms moving into the south. Could turn gusty for some with the odd rumble of thunder."
Safety Advice
With little wind and high humidity, the heat will feel oppressive. Residents are advised to take measures to keep safe and cool, such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during peak hours, and checking on vulnerable people. The extreme heat is expected to continue into the evening, with temperatures remaining high until late.
