(Image: MetOffice)
Last Updated: 1 minute ago
Wales is preparing for an unprecedented period of extreme heat after the Met Office activated a red warning for parts of the country – the first time such an alert has been issued here, according to BBC Wales.
The highest-level warning will run from 09:00 BST on Wednesday through to 21:00 on Thursday, with forecasters saying temperatures could climb as high as 38-40C (100-104F) during an exceptional spell of hot and humid conditions.
What does a red warning mean?
Red represents the most severe tier in the Met Office warning system, indicating that dangerous weather is expected and there is a high likelihood of risk to life. Such conditions also raise the prospect of critical national infrastructure failures, including power cuts and closures of roads or rail lines.
Residents within the warning area are being urged to avoid travelling where possible and to follow any guidance issued by emergency services and local authorities.
The extreme heat alert system has only been in operation since 2021, and the sole previous red warning for heat was issued in England in July 2022.
Areas covered
Fourteen local authority areas are included in the red zone: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Separately, amber heat health alerts have been doubled from two days to four and now extend across the whole of Wales. South and mid Wales fall under the amber alert on Monday and Tuesday, before it widens to encompass the entire country on Wednesday and Thursday.
Welsh Government response
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said a dedicated group had been established to monitor and respond to the effects of the severe heat across affected areas, and that the Welsh Government would keep people informed.
Temperature outlook
Daytime highs are widely forecast to surpass 30C, with peaks around 38C expected alongside high humidity. There will be little overnight respite – temperatures are unlikely to fall much below the high teens, and some locations may not drop below 20 or 21C.
The Met Office cautioned there could be significant variation from place to place and from one day to the next. Some relief may arrive from the west after Thursday, though confidence in that forecast remains low.
Transport and disruption
Travel networks are already feeling the strain. National Rail has reported disruption on routes from Coryton and Penarth in south Wales and between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay. Rail passengers on those lines are being advised they can use their tickets on bus services instead.
Cardiff Council has also confirmed it will bring forward waste collection times this week, with crews starting rounds at 05:00 BST.
Schools
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has acknowledged that school leaders face a significant challenge in keeping pupils and staff comfortable and safe.
“While there is no legal ‘upper limit’ for temperature in schools, they will certainly be doing all they can to mitigate the effects of such high temperatures,” said Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary.
“For most, this will mean making straightforward adjustments such as limiting the time spent in the sun during breaks, ensuring additional water is available, making adjustments to uniform expectations where appropriate and ventilating classrooms as best they can.”
Staying safe in the heat
Public Health Wales has stressed that although heat-related illness can affect anyone, the greatest risks are for older people, babies, and very young children.
Advice includes staying in the shade, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and keeping homes cool by shutting curtains, blinds, and windows during daylight hours before opening them again once evening arrives. Sunscreen of SPF 50 and above with at least 4-star UVA protection is recommended.
Keeping pets and wildlife safe
RSPCA Cymru has called on pet owners to take additional care during the heatwave and encouraged people to leave a shallow bowl of water outside for wildlife.
The charity issued a firm warning against leaving dogs in cars, and recommends owners carry out a “pavement test” before heading out on walks – placing a hand on the ground to gauge the surface temperature.
“If you can’t hold your hand on the ground for five seconds, it will burn your dog’s paws,” the RSPCA warned.
Owners are advised to limit or skip walks entirely during the hottest conditions and to schedule any exercise for the coolest times of day. The charity described heatstroke as a “silent killer”, with warning signs including heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, and uncoordinated movement.
Those keeping rabbits and guinea pigs should relocate outdoor enclosures into shaded spots, and indoor housing for pets such as hamsters should be moved away from direct sunlight.
