**Met Office Confirms When Wales’ Summer Heat Will Break as Cooler, Wetter Weather Arrives**
Wales has been basking in a spell of summery warmth, with temperatures soaring above seasonal averages. However, forecasters are signalling the end of this hot weather, with a change on the horizon that promises not only rain but a sharp drop in temperature. The Met Office has issued updated advice on exactly when the sunshine will give way to cooler conditions, impacting weekend plans for many across the country.
After Monday’s peak heat, which saw thermometers nudge well above 30°C in some regions, meteorologists from both the BBC and the Met Office have confirmed that Wales is experiencing a classic heatwave. Officially, a heatwave in the UK is defined by three consecutive days where temperatures remain above 25°C, a threshold that has already been met in many areas.
Early this week, residents have relished these elevated temperatures. On Tuesday, although a slight dip is predicted, the mercury is still expected to reach 24°C, offering another day of summery cheer. Weather experts say Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will follow suit, with maximum temperatures holding steady around the 22°C mark in Cardiff. Such prolonged warm and clear conditions are a rarity, so the advice is to make the most of it while it lasts.
The welcoming weather is timely for fans going to major events, such as the first eagerly anticipated Oasis reunion concert at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. Friday evening’s forecast appears favourable, promising clear skies and a mild breeze for concertgoers. Unfortunately, those holding tickets for the second show on Saturday might not be as fortunate.
Both the BBC and Met Office forecasts align in predicting a marked shift as the weekend approaches. By Saturday, rain is expected to move in, with a 70% likelihood of showers developing in the early afternoon. This wet spell could persist through the day, making for a much greyer and damp end to the week. Alongside the rain, temperatures are forecast to plummet, falling from midweek highs into the high teens. Some forecasts suggest Cardiff could see a drop of nearly 4°C from earlier in the week.
The Met Office’s outlook for Tuesday night suggests, “A mostly dry evening and night is expected across the country. It will be fairly cloudy at first, though some decent clear spells developing. Remaining fairly warm, with light winds. Minimum temperature 13°C.” Moving into Wednesday, the pattern is expected to continue with mostly dry and sunny weather, although a chance of isolated showers, particularly in the east, cannot be ruled out.
Meteorological models indicate a major transition arriving on Thursday and Friday. “A ridge of high pressure will give a mostly settled day on Thursday, with some sunshine,” forecasters state. “Clouding over on Friday with damp and breezy conditions developing heading into Saturday.” In practical terms, this means sunshine will gradually give way to increased cloud cover and deteriorating conditions as the weekend wears on.
When considering regional specifics, the forecast suggests Saturday’s highs are unlikely to exceed 19°C or 20°C. This cooling trend will offer relief after the heatwave but means organisers and attendees of weekend events should prepare for rain and pack an umbrella.
Overall, after a week of exceptional warmth, Wales is bracing for a return to more typical British summer weather—changeable, cooler, and wetter. Meteorologists remind the public to stay updated with the latest forecasts and adapt plans accordingly, especially if attending outdoor events or travelling across the region.
While the abrupt swing may disappoint sunseekers, it also offers a reprieve for those who find prolonged heat challenging. As is so often the case with British weather, conditions look set to turn on a sixpence, offering a reminder of the country’s famously unpredictable climate.