UK Heatwave: Amber weather warning in place as Wales braces for hottest day ever
An amber weather warning for extreme heat is now in place for all of Wales as the country looks set to experience record breaking temperatures.
The warning, issued by the MetOffice, covers Monday and Tuesday.
The highest ever recorded temperature in Wales was 35.2C, set in August 1990, but this could be broken on Monday as temperatures look set to hit 38C.
It comes as 50,000 people are expected to visit the Royal Welsh Show after a three year hiatus.
The UK Government has declared a national emergency following the Met Office updating its weather warnings to red – meaning a risk to life – for large parts of England, including the West Midlands and North West England.
The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging people to take care during the extreme heat to avoid additional preasure on stretched emergency services.
Lee Brooks, Executive Director of Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “With temperatures predicted to hit 40°C in some parts of the UK today, we cannot remind the public strongly enough to take any and all precautions to stay well.“Do not underestimate the impact of the heat on your health, even if you’re fit and healthy but especially if you have a pre-existing heart or respiratory condition, like asthma or angina.“The well-documented pressures on our ambulance service in recent weeks, like extensive hospital handover delays, sustained higher numbers of life-threatening ‘Red’ calls and Covid-19 related staff absence, have real potential to be worsened by the heat.“We have well-rehearsed plans in place, but ultimately, our resources are finite – at peak we expect there to be 123 emergency ambulances on duty for the whole of Wales today responding to the sickest patients first.“To stay well, drink plenty of water, keep out of the sun and wear loose-fitted clothing, and if you must venture out, wear sun cream and sunglasses and take extra care around open water."
The Welsh Government is urging people to take extra precautions and to plan ahead to keep themselves and others safe.
Wales' deputy chief medical officer, Chris Jones, said: “Extreme heat warnings are not issued lightly by the Met Office and the potential health risks need to be taken seriously.
"Very high temperatures can be dangerous for everyone but elderly people, children, those with chronic health problems and vulnerable people who may struggle to keep cool are at a higher risk."
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend the Royal Welsh Show this week in Builth Wells.
Travel disruption is expected across Wales in the coming days with National Rail warning that journeys lengths could double as trains slow down during the heatwave.
Transport for Wales (TfW) has advised customers to only make essential journeys and has told customers in the Borders region not to travel during upcoming extreme weather.
Colin Lea, TfW’s planning and performance director, said: “The extreme weather that we are set to see on 18 and 19 July is likely to pose a risk of serious illness or danger to life, particularly in the West Midlands and North West England where temperatures will be at their highest.
“We strongly advise customers to carefully consider whether their journey is necessary, check before travelling in case of changes to services, and allow more time for any journeys they need to make.”
Tickets dated for travel for Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July will be valid for travel on Wednesday 20, Thursday 21 and Friday 22 July.
The AA has also advised motorists not to travel during the hottest parts of the day.