First ever Met Office "Extreme heat" warning covering South Wales
Forecasters are warning that high temperatures could have adverse health effects
Last updated 19th Jul 2021
The Met Office has issued its first ever extreme heat warning in the UK, covering South Wales.
As temperatures continue to soar, forecasters are warning that high temperatures during the day and night could lead to public health impacts.
The warning lasts from this evening (19 July) until Thursday (22 July).
What to expect from the Met Office extreme heat warning...
Officials say the warning could lead to various impacts:
- Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat
- The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses
- More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents
- Some changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required
- An increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, leading to power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses
- Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays
Met Office Chief Operational Meteorologist Steven Ramsdale said: "The high temperatures are going to continue through a large part of this week. Many areas will continue to reach heatwave thresholds but the amber extreme heat warning focusses on western areas where the most unusually high temperatures are likely to persist.
"There’s a continuing risk of isolated thundery downpours late in the afternoons but most areas will stay dry until later in the week. Temperatures should begin to fall for most areas heading into the weekend, with some more unsettled conditions looking to develop."
Click here to read updates on the warning in full.