First red warning for extreme heat for Wales as temperatures could hit 38C

A red warning for extreme heat is in place for the first time across parts of Wales as an exceptional spell of hot and humid weather is expected.

This week's heatwave will see temperatures exceed 37C (99F) in the shade and could even see them rise to 38C to 40C (100-104F) in some parts, the Met Office said.

The alert is in place from Wednesday at 09:00 BST until 21:00 on Thursday.

A red warning is the most severe level of alert which indicates dangerous weather is expected with a high likelihood of risk to life.

It could also lead to failures of critical national infrastructure, such as power outages or roads and rail lines being closed.

Amber heat health alerts have also extended from two to four days, and the affected areas have been widened to cover all of Wales.

In situations where a red warning is issued, the Met Office advises people to avoid travelling where possible and to follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.

The first ever red heat warning was issued in England in July 2022- when temperatures soared above 40C in the UK for the first time.

Although the extreme heat warning system was only introduced in 2021.

People have been advised to avoid the midday sun, limit exercise, stay hydrated and protected from the heat, while the RSPCA has warned pet owners to take extra care.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said the Welsh government had set up a group to monitor and respond to the impacts of the severe heat across affected areas and would keep people updated.

• Blaenau Gwent
• Bridgend
• Caerphilly
• Cardiff
• Carmarthenshire
• Merthyr Tydfil
• Monmouthshire
• Neath Port Talbot
• Newport
• Powys
• Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Swansea
• Torfaen
• Vale of Glamorgan

The amber warning covers areas of south and mid Wales on Monday and Tuesday, with a second amber alert covering the whole of the country on Wednesday and Thursday.

People on Penarth seafront were enjoying the sun on Monday but many agreed that alerts were helpful to plan ahead for the hot weather.

"If you are working with vulnerable people, it gives you time to prepare," said Sacha Williams from Blackwood who was on the seafront with her husband Tyrone and friend Jane Devine.

"But for us, it's just about being sensible and enjoying it - because we're sure to have a lot of rain very soon," she laughed, adding that she had paddling pools ready for her dogs.

Jane said she wasn't a big fan of the heat but could tolerate it.

"Stay in, keep yourself cool and just be sensible."

Nate Thomas was having an ice cream on his lunch break in the sun.

"I'm enjoying it - I am not going to lie. We don't get that much summer so when the heats comes, enjoy it. "

At the Pier Cafe, they were busy serving ice creams but also had the fryers on for chips.

"It can get quite hot if you are cooking by the fryers, so we have got two fans," said Eloise Morris.

"We go in the freezer if we have to," laughed Lana Morgan.

The Met Office said the hot weather could lead to widespread impact on people as well as infrastructure.

However, there could be "significant variations from place to place and day by day", the forecaster said.

Temperatures by day are widely expected to exceed 30C and potentially peaking to about 38C, it added, along with high humidity.

"Overnight, temperatures are unlikely to fall much lower than high teens, and some places will not fall below 20 or 21C," it said

"Cooler conditions may begin to become established from the west following this period, but confidence is low."

There has already been some impact on travel with National Rail saying there is disruption on the routes from Coryton and Penarth in south Wales, and between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay, and people can use their tickets on the bus routes instead

Meanwhile, Cardiff Council will be collecting rubbish earlier this week, starting at 05:00 BST.

Due to the weather warning, all Tennis Wales in the Park sites will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday on health and safety grounds.

There have been concerns over pupils in schools during the heatwave, with the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) saying school leaders will be thinking carefully about how to keep pupils and staff safe and as comfortable as possible.

"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," Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said.

"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."

Merthyr Tydfil Council has said sports days and school trips should be postponed or cancelled, if possible.

They also suggested schools should alter menus during the extreme heat, such as offering ice lollies and light meal options.

Vale of Glamorgan Council said any arrangements for schools during the hot weather will be decided by each school individually, as they may have different needs and considerations, and advice may change as the situation changes.

Monmouthshire County Council said it was "monitoring the situation closely" along with neighbouring local authorities, emergency planning teams and the Welsh government.

"In the meantime, our advice is that schools follow the Welsh government and Public Health Wales guidance and take all appropriate precautions, such as maximising shade and ventilation, ensuring staff and pupils remain hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity where possible," they added.

Public Health Wales said heat-related illness can affect anyone, but the risks are greatest for older people, babies and very young children.

It advised people to:

• Stay in the shade
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Keep your home cool by closing curtains, blinds and windows during the day, opening them again in the evening
• Use a sunscreen of SPF 50 and above with at least 4-star UVA protection

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has also urged people to take extra care and to enjoy the warm weather responsibly.

Aled Griffiths, head of community safety, said: "We want everyone to enjoy the sunshine, but these conditions can increase the likelihood of incidents, including fires and water-related emergencies".

The service has advised people to:

• Always place barbecues on a flat, non-combustible surface, well away from buildings, fences, dry grass and shrubs
• Never leave a barbecue unattended
• Ensure it is fully extinguished and cool before disposing of ashes
• Avoid lighting fires in the open, including campfires, especially in dry, grassy or rural areas
• Do not discard cigarettes, matches or glass bottles, as these can easily ignite
• Don't start fires in the countryside – dry vegetation means fires will spread quickly and easily
• Take care when swimming in open water such as lakes, rivers and reservoirs – the water can be much colder than expected
• Avoid jumping or diving into unknown waters
• Never enter the water under the influence of alcohol

RSPCA Cymru has warned pet owners to take steps to keep them safe during the hot weather and also help wildlife by providing a shallow bowl of water outside.

The charity warned against leaving dogs in cars and suggested performing a "pavement test" by feeling the temperature of the ground to ensure it wasn't too hot for dog walks.

"If you can't hold your hand on the ground for five seconds, it will burn your dog's paws," it warned.

Advice also included no exercise or limiting dog walks, and timing them when temperatures were at their lowest.

It said heatstroke was a "silent killer" and signs included heavy panting, drooling, vomiting or uncoordinated movement.

Other advice included moving rabbit and guinea pig pens to shaded areas and ensure indoor enclosures for pets like hamsters were not in direct sunlight.

The air temperatures will be very high, but on top of that the humidity will be high.

We are expected to smash our June record in Wales by several degrees - current record 33.7, in Machynlleth in 2000.

We are also expected to challenge our all time maximum temperature record - current record 37.1, in Hawarden in 2022).