Wales is bracing for an intense wave of hot weather, with forecasters suggesting it could be labelled a heatwave as parts of the country expect temperatures to edge well above 30°C early in the week. BBC weather forecaster Derek Brockway has said the heatwave is ‘likely’, indicating that the coming days could see some of the highest temperatures in recent years.
Following a spell of humid but unsettled weather, much of Wales will soon swap overcast skies for bright sunshine on Monday. Notably, Monmouth in south east Wales has been named as a particular hotspot, with forecasts showing the mercury could climb as high as 31°C by late afternoon. While this would surpass previous highs witnessed earlier this summer – when Cardiff and Trawscoed in Ceredigion reached 30°C on 19 June – temperatures in the rest of Wales are also set to be well above average.
For residents or visitors seeking relief from the heat, heading towards the western coast may offer some respite. Locations such as St David’s in Pembrokeshire and Aberystwyth in Ceredigion are expected to reach more moderate highs of around 21°C. Nevertheless, even by mid-morning, most of the country is predicted to see temperatures in the low 20s, with the heat building steadily throughout the day.
The situation is even more extreme across the border in England, where areas including London could experience highs of 33°C, reminiscent of the kind of heat waves that have become more common in recent British summers. In Wales, meanwhile, most areas will likely peak during the afternoon, with Monmouth again leading the way at 31°C, according to the Met Office’s latest updates.
Technical definitions from the Met Office state that a heatwave is declared when daily maximum temperatures surpass 25°C for at least three consecutive days. Brockway, in a recent update on social media platform X, suggested that the heatwave criteria is “likely” to be met, especially in south east Wales. “Heatwave likely in Monmouthshire Sunday to Tuesday,” he reported, “Maximum temperatures 26°C or more. Over 30°C on Monday. Nearer normal Wednesday onwards. The July average is 22°C.”
Looking ahead, the Met Office expects Sunday evening to be mostly dry, with lingering sunshine and high humidity providing a warm start to the heatwave. Monday is predicted to begin with some cloud, particularly in northern parts, but skies are expected to clear throughout the day, paving the way for exceptionally warm conditions under light winds.
However, the spell of sweltering temperatures appears short-lived. According to forecasts, from Tuesday the weather in Wales should take a turn, becoming fresher with increased cloud cover expected to bring patchy, and at times heavy, rainfall later in the week. Despite this, Monday’s potentially record-breaking temperatures are a stark reminder of shifting weather patterns seen across the UK this summer.
With this in mind, authorities are urging people to take precautions against the heat, such as staying hydrated, seeking shade during peak hours, and looking out for vulnerable neighbours and relatives. The coming days will not only offer a taste of summer for sun-lovers but also serve as a reminder of the increasingly unpredictable climate.
Local social media channels and community news updates are expected to provide further information and safety advice as the heatwave unfolds. As always, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to official weather forecasts for the latest updates and guidance, especially as conditions may change rapidly.