A heat alert has been issued for parts of the UK this weekend as temperatures are set to rise. It has hardly rained in Wales since the beginning of May but temperatures have not hit heatwave levels.
But a change this weekend means that the high pressure area which has been responsible for the settled weather for much of the UK will drift away towards Scandinavia, allowing a plume of warm air from the south to influence the weekend weather for much of the UK. It does also mean that there is an increased risk of thunderstorms and warnings for the whole of Wales have been issued for Saturday and Sunday. The UK Health Security Agency, which covers the healthcare sector in England, has issued a Heat Health Alert.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun. Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
The highest temperature in Wales so far this year was 25.1°C in Porthmadog, Gwynedd on May 29. Temperatures for this weekend, according to Welsh forecaster Derek Brockway, could be 26°C in Tremadog, Talsarnau and Portmeirion.
On Saturday. he said it was possible for a "muggy 26 or 27°C" in Hawarden, Flintshire. The Met Office maps are showing 25°C in Cardiff on Saturday and 20°C on Sunday, and 22°C and 20°C in Swansea.
Temperatures are set to be even higher in the east of England. Here's a glimpse at temperatures forecast around the UK on Saturday:
- London: 30°C
- Cardiff: 25°C
- Hull: 22°C
- Manchester: 28°C
- Belfast: 22°C
- Edinburgh: 21°C
Signals for next week indicate the risk of thundery downpours will continue at first for some with temperatures likely to remain above average. Eastern coastal areas could be slightly cooler again, with a resumption of an easterly breeze.
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