**Unseasonal Heatwave Sweeps Wales as Met Office Warns of Incoming Thunderstorms**
Wales has basked in a remarkable heatwave over the past week, surprising many with soaring April temperatures rarely seen in the country. Weather observers have been left astonished as temperatures across Wales soared into the mid-twenties Celsius, tempting many outdoors to make the most of the sunshine. However, the Met Office is now warning that these unseasonal conditions may soon give way to more typical British spring weather, with showers – and even thunderstorms – forecast in the coming days.
On 30 April, Trawsgoed in Ceredigion recorded a sweltering 25.8°C, making it the hottest place in Wales so far this year. Although this narrowly missed the country’s all-time April record of 26.2°C set in 2003 in Gogerddan near Aberystwyth, it was enough to make history as the second warmest April day ever recorded in Wales. BBC forecaster Derek Brockway was quick to highlight the significance, noting, “We didn’t break the April record but today is the second hottest April day on record after 2003.”
As May begins, the heatwave looks set to persist for at least another day, with temperatures expected to reach 27° in Monmouth and as high as 26° in surrounding areas. The unseasonable warmth is not restricted to Wales alone; across the UK, especially in southern England and London, the mercury could surge to as high as 29°C according to the latest Met Office data.
However, changes are looming on the horizon. The Met Office has indicated that a dip in temperatures is expected as early as Friday, 2 May. Although much of south Wales will still enjoy pleasant and bright conditions with maximums between 18–22°C, the sweltering heat of previous days will begin to dissipate. These warmer-than-average figures are forecast to continue into the start of the Bank Holiday weekend.
By Sunday, temperatures are predicted to fall even further, settling back into the mid-teens Celsius – about 16°C for many parts of south Wales. By Monday, residents can expect more cloud cover mixed with intermittent spells of sunshine, and temperatures will drop to around 13°C, signalling a return to more typical early May conditions in the region.
Looking ahead to next week, meteorologists anticipate further cooling and increased cloudiness, confirming that the extraordinary warmth will soon be a memory. There is a degree of uncertainty as weather systems shift, especially with an area of low pressure moving up from the south, which could bring showery and thundery conditions, particularly to the south and southwest of the UK later on Thursday or overnight.
Those planning to spend time outdoors are being advised to remain cautious. Both ultraviolet (UV) and pollen levels are expected to stay high throughout the week, which may prompt issues for hay fever sufferers and increase risks of sunburn. Officials are reminding the public to take necessary precautions, such as using sunscreen and monitoring pollen levels, available via Met Office alerts or their website.
The lure of the coast is undeniable when warm weather prevails, yet authorities are warning people that sea temperatures remain cold and can pose a serious risk. Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety for the RNLI, has urged beachgoers to remain vigilant: “Whilst the air temperature will be high, water temperatures remain dangerously cold. Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. If you get into trouble, remember to float on your back and try to stay calm before seeking help.”
In summary, while the present burst of summer-like weather has brought a welcome reprieve from the usual spring chill, meteorologists are clear: this warm spell will be short-lived. Wales is set for a return to cloudier, cooler, and, at times, stormier conditions as the Bank Holiday weekend draws to a close. Residents are advised to check local forecasts regularly and to prepare accordingly, making the most of the mild weather while it lasts.