**Parts of Wales Enter Official Heatwave as Hottest Day of the Year Recorded**
Wales has officially entered heatwave conditions following soaring temperatures, with large parts of the United Kingdom experiencing their warmest spells this year. The Met Office confirmed that Friday marked the highest temperatures recorded in Wales so far in 2025, with some areas in both Wales and England reaching a sweltering 30.8°C.
Whilst these temperatures did not set a new record for the UK as a whole, they do represent a significant milestone for the year and a marked change from recent weather patterns. Many residents and visitors flocked to beaches such as Barry Island to soak up the sun, as images captured show sunseekers making the most of the rare British heat.
According to Beck Mitchell, a meteorologist at the Met Office, “many areas” in England and “select locations” in Welsh regions, particularly Cardiff, have now met the technical definition of a heatwave. This status is triggered when temperatures meet or exceed specified regional thresholds for at least three consecutive days. In Wales, that threshold generally sits at 25°C, while in some parts of England it is as high as 28°C.
Despite the early summer cheer, meteorologists are urging the public to remain vigilant, as there is a risk of severe thunderstorms developing over the weekend. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning that extends from Nottingham to well beyond Newcastle, in force from Saturday afternoon through to the early hours of Sunday. Conditions could include heavy downpours, hail, gusty winds, and frequent lightning.
“There are scattered thunderstorms coming through,” said Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey. She highlighted the particular danger posed by heavy rainfall after lengthy dry spells, noting, “when you get heavy rain hitting hard ground, it can cause surface water issues.” Those driving or living in flood-prone areas are advised to take precautions, as drainage systems may struggle to cope, raising the risk of localised flooding.
The heat has sparked further warnings from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which issued an amber heat-health alert for all regions of England. This alert—the first of its kind since September 2023—will remain in effect until Monday morning, reflecting concerns over the impact sustained high temperatures can have on public health. Particular attention is being given to elderly people, as well as those with pre-existing medical conditions, both groups identified as being at heightened risk.
Officials are also drawing on recent history to urge caution. During the record-breaking heatwave in 2022, which saw temperatures exceed 40°C nationally, hundreds were hospitalised due to heat-related illnesses. Steve Cole from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) warns that heatwaves are no longer isolated events but are becoming more frequent and intense, reflecting wider trends associated with climate change.
Cole further cautioned against complacency regarding water safety, reminding the public that while the air temperature may soar, water bodies such as rivers and lakes remain dangerously cold—posing the risk of cold-water shock even in peak summer.
Looking ahead, forecasters anticipate that the highest temperatures may shift eastwards and towards the southeast of England on Saturday, with some isolated locations potentially hitting 34°C before a fresher, more unsettled airflow brings relief from the west. As the heatwave unfolds and with storms brewing, emergency services and public health officials continue to advise vigilance, hoping the public will remain alert to both the joys and hazards of the British summer.
As the country adapts to these extreme conditions, authorities underline the importance of heat safety, responsible hydration, and awareness of weather warnings. For now, sun-seekers are still able to revel in the summer glow, though with thunderstorms looming, they may soon need to swap sunglasses for umbrellas.