**Wales Teeters on Edge of Heatwave as Met Office Issues Amber Warning for Parts of England**
Wales is poised to experience a spell of strikingly warm weather, with forecasts hinting that the country could come very close to officially entering a heatwave next week. Meanwhile, an amber heat warning has been declared for several regions in England after the Met Office indicated that high-pressure conditions could bring some of the year’s highest temperatures so far.
According to the Met Office, a heatwave in Wales requires temperatures of at least 25°C to be sustained for three consecutive days. Current projections, however, suggest that while Wales may not consistently hit this threshold across all areas, several regions are expected to see soaring temperatures, particularly at the start of next week. These predictions have prompted authorities to advise the public to take extra care during the coming period of intense warmth.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone commented on the forecast, saying, “A build-up of higher temperatures through the weekend and into the early days of next week will create hot to very hot conditions, especially across the southeast and East Anglia, but also more locally in eastern Wales. These unusual conditions are partly attributable to a heatwave emerging over western Europe and influencing our local weather patterns.”
An area of high pressure, which is expected to intensify over the coming days, will dictate the pattern of hot weather across much of the United Kingdom. While the most extreme heat is likely to be felt to the south and east, those in the north and northwest of the UK will experience comparatively milder conditions. For Wales, Friday will mark the start of the temperature climb, with places like Wrexham, Monmouth, and Chepstow anticipated to reach 24°C by the afternoon.
The heat is forecasted to persist into the weekend, with Saturday’s highs expected to reach 24°C in Welshpool and Wrexham, and 23°C in Flint. By Sunday, the mercury could tip the scale at 25°C in multiple locations, including Hay-on-Wye, Wrexham, and Welshpool, while Brecon and Builth Wells may see the temperature reach 24°C.
Monday is set to be the pinnacle of the hot spell in Wales, particularly in the eastern regions. Monmouth could record a sweltering 30°C, closely followed by Chepstow and Abergavenny at 29°C. Other areas, such as Newport and Hay-on-Wye, might see readings of 28°C, while Welshpool, Cardiff, Brecon, Newtown and Builth Wells are expected to experience temperatures in the mid-to-high twenties. Such temperatures are unseasonably high for Wales at this time of year.
While Wales remains just short of a sustained heatwave, the situation in England is more acute. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber health warning for the East Midlands, East of England, London, the South East, and the South West. This warning comes into effect from midday on 27 June and will last until 6pm on 1 July.
The agency has warned of significant impacts on health and social care services because of the heat. In particular, the elderly, those with pre-existing health conditions, and vulnerable populations are at greater risk of heat-related illness and even an increased mortality rate. There are also concerns for younger age groups, who might be unaccustomed or ill-prepared for such prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
According to UKHSA, elevated temperatures may lead to a surge in demand for health and social care services, as well as heightened risk of indoor environments overheating — particularly in hospitals, care homes, and other settings where vulnerable individuals reside. The agency has highlighted the importance of monitoring not only those receiving care but also ensuring that healthcare workers are able to provide their services safely, given the additional pressures brought on by the heat, including potential transport disruptions and difficulties with medicine storage and administration.
Authorities urge the public to take sensible precautions during periods of intense heat, such as staying hydrated, avoiding peak sunlight hours, and keeping living and working environments as cool as possible. Vulnerable residents are advised to remain vigilant and seek support if needed, especially as the heat could exacerbate existing health issues or create new ones for those not accustomed to such conditions.
As Wales stands on the threshold of a heatwave, with England already under amber alert, meteorologists and public health officials are closely monitoring the evolving situation. The coming days will provide a stern test of both infrastructure resilience and community preparedness for extreme summer weather.