Tennis Wales in the Park has announced the closure of tennis courts across Cardiff, Swansea, and the Vale of Glamorgan on Wednesday and Thursday due to a red weather warning for extreme heat. The decision was made on health and safety grounds, as temperatures are expected to soar to 38°C in some areas of the country.
The Met Office has issued a red warning for extreme heat from Wednesday morning (June 24) until Thursday evening (June 25). A red warning indicates dangerous weather conditions, with a risk to life and widespread damage to property. The public is advised to avoid travel where possible.
Areas Affected by the Red Warning
The red warning covers Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Tennis Wales in the Park sent an email to members stating: "Due to the red weather warning in force on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June we have decided to close all our Tennis Wales in the Park sites on health and safety grounds. We will provide a full refund on all pay and play bookings during this time."
Court Surfaces at Risk
The organisation also cited potential damage to court surfaces, explaining that sustained high temperatures can cause some court surface materials to soften. "This is a rare occurrence but the extreme heat forecast heightens this risk," the email added. Members were advised not to take heavy items such as deck chairs onto courts during hot weather.
Tennis Wales in the Park manages six courts in Cardiff: Heath Park, Llandaff Fields, Roath Park, Hailey Park, Victoria Park, and Rumney Hill Gardens. In the Vale of Glamorgan, affected venues include Romilly Park, Millwood Park, Penarth Athletic, and Wenvoe Sports Field. In Swansea, five venues are closed: Cwmdonkin Park, Coed Bach Park, Coed Gwilym Park, Langland Bay, and Victoria Park.
