**Wales Braces for Scorching Heatwave as Met Office Issues Warnings for the Weekend**
Wales is set to experience a significant upturn in temperatures this week, with a heatwave sweeping across the nation and bringing sunshine alongside soaring highs rarely seen outside of peak summer. According to the Met Office, the hottest period is expected to span from Thursday, 19 June, through to Sunday, 22 June, as much of the country welcomes the return of true summer weather. For many, a simple step outdoors will be confirmation enough – the warmth is tangible, and the skies are set to remain largely clear.
Forecasters anticipate that temperatures in certain areas, including Monmouth and Abergavenny, could reach a sweltering 30°C on Thursday and Friday. National forecasters have highlighted Saturday as potentially the hottest day not only in Wales but across the UK, with some regions tipped to see the mercury climb as high as 34°C. Urban centres such as Cardiff, Pontypridd, and Cardigan are not far behind in the predictions, with expected highs of around 29°C. For those looking to make the most of the sunshine, the conditions look enticing.
While the forecast promises dry and sunny interludes, unsettled weather is also on the horizon. The weekend could bring isolated showers and even some thundery spells for certain areas, particularly by Saturday afternoon and evening. The Met Office reports that though Thursday will enjoy extended sunshine with only passing wisps of cloud, a south-easterly breeze is likely to pick up, and there is a chance of some showers pushing into the southwest by Friday morning. Nights are forecast to remain unusually warm, with minimum temperatures hovering around 16°C.
Friday’s weather is set to feature intermittent cloud coverage and the odd shower to start the day, but conditions will brighten by the afternoon. Across much of Wales, the warmth will be persistent, accompanied by a breeze and noticeable humidity. The Met Office is predicting highs reaching up to 29°C before a transition towards slightly more unsettled conditions as the weekend progresses.
The forecast for Saturday through to Monday offers hope of continued sunny periods but emphasises a rise in the likelihood of sudden showers, the risk of thunder, and humidity remaining high, particularly in northern and western districts. The evenings, in particular, could be affected, with possible intense thunderstorms for parts of north Wales and stretches of northern England and southern Scotland. Should these storms materialise, the Met Office warns of the potential for heavy rain, frequent lightning, and strong gusts, even the chance of large hailstones.
The balmy nights will be a significant feature of this hot spell, potentially leading to what meteorologists term a “tropical night”—when temperatures fail to drop below 20°C. This could prove uncomfortable for many and make sleeping conditions less than ideal. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley noted that while Saturday is likely to be dry and hot for many, the most oppressive humidity will affect the north and west, even where daytime temperatures are slightly lower. The heat is predicted to moderate from Sunday onwards, as fresher Atlantic air begins to move in from the west.
Sunday may see temperatures reduce across much of Wales, although parts of eastern England could still reach the upper 20s. The arrival of cooler air will likely bring more cloud and a higher chance of rainfall, shifting conditions as the week progresses. While the heatwave’s intensity may ease, unsettled weather and spells of brightness are expected to alternate throughout next week.
The Met Office continues to monitor the situation and offers regular updates via its platforms. Residents and visitors are reminded to keep hydrated, seek shade where possible, and be mindful of the risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially the very young, elderly, or those with existing health conditions. With the summer now firmly underway, Wales appears set to enjoy – or endure – a truly memorable spell of midsummer weather.