Another heatwave is set to hit Wales, with temperatures forecast to climb to nearly 30C in the coming days. The Met Office predicts that hot weather will build from the weekend, potentially lasting into next week.
Heatwave conditions expected from Sunday
After a week of cooler but still warm temperatures and some much-needed rain, the heat is set to return. Most of the hottest conditions will be focused on southern and eastern areas, where highs close to 30C are expected.
For most of Wales, the heatwave threshold is met when temperatures exceed 25°C for three consecutive days. In parts of south-east Wales, the threshold is slightly higher at 26°C. According to the Met Office, temperatures will start to exceed this threshold on Sunday and continue into early next week.
Drought and wildfire concerns
Natural Resources Wales has already declared a drought across the whole of Wales, so the upcoming heatwave could cause further problems. The dry ground has increased the risk of wildfires, which fire crews have been battling for weeks. A hosepipe ban has also been introduced in parts of west Wales.
Health warnings and NHS preparations
The NHS has been told to prepare for heatwaves each year in the same way it plans for winter. UK Health Secretary Yvette Cooper noted a “big increase” in people attending A&E due to hot weather and urged the public to look out for elderly and vulnerable people. It is estimated there were 2,700 excess deaths in Wales and England during the two recent heatwaves.
Day-by-day forecast
On Friday, temperatures will remain similar to much of the week, warming up from the weekend. Saturday will see temperatures rise in eastern areas, with potential heatwave conditions. Sunday is forecast to bring highs of 28C in Cardiff, surpassing the heatwave threshold, while the west coast will feel cooler but still warm.
Monday looks set to be the hottest day, with temperatures approaching 30C. Tuesday could see the threshold exceeded for a third day, meaning a heatwave could be officially declared in eastern areas. Warm conditions are likely to continue into Wednesday, with a cooldown from Thursday possibly ending the heatwave. However, the Met Office's long-range forecast suggests further heatwaves could occur up to September.
