Wales Prepares for Third Heatwave: Essential Tips to Stay Safe in Rising Temperatures

The UK faces its third heatwave this year, with Wales expecting high temperatures and health risks. Experts offer advice on staying safe, cool, and sleeping well during prolonged heat.

UK Faces Third Heatwave of the Year

This week, the UK is anticipating its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to exceed 30°C once again.

The recent heatwave followed record-breaking temperatures in Wales, where new highs were set for both daytime and overnight temperatures.

The extreme heat impacted the entire country, resulting in school closures, public transport cancellations, and several incidents related to open water swimming.

Authorities have issued warnings that the forthcoming period of high temperatures could place significant strain on health and social care services, increasing the risk to vulnerable populations.

Last month, Wales experienced its hottest June day on record, with Bute Park in Cardiff reaching 35.9°C.

At that time, Public Health Wales urged residents to stay safe and to check on family, friends, and neighbours.

Water safety advice was also emphasized, including recommendations not to swim alone, to avoid jumping into open water, to supervise children, to select lifeguarded locations, and to avoid alcohol consumption.

Monmouth is forecast to experience the highest temperatures in Wales on Friday.

Heat map of Wales — Image caption, Monmouth is expected to experience the hottest temperatures in Wales on Friday

How Will This Heatwave Differ?

BBC Wales weather presenter Sabrina Lee noted that the upcoming heatwave is not expected to be "quite as hot or quite as humid" as the previous one.

"But the heat is set to last longer. Some places could see the heat linger into the latter part of next week," she said.

Some regions of the UK may experience up to 10 consecutive days with temperatures above 30°C.

Lee added that Wales is not currently expected to surpass its recently established temperature records during the July heatwave.

Nighttime temperatures are anticipated to be lower than those recorded in June, with more nights falling below the 20°C threshold. Nights above 20°C are classified as tropical nights.

How to Stay Cool

Across the UK, people have shared various DIY methods to cope with the warm weather.

Suggestions range from freezing bed sheets and using foil blankets on windows to conventional approaches such as wearing lighter, loose-fitting clothing.

The NHS recommends increasing fluid intake while avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks.

Taking cool showers or applying cool water to the skin or clothes can also provide relief, along with keeping living spaces cool.

The Met Office has advised avoiding sun exposure between 11:00 and 15:00 BST, when UV rays are strongest, and refraining from physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.

Walking in the shade, applying sunscreen, and carrying water are also recommended precautions.

A little girl sprays water directly into her mouth using a hosepipe - stock photo A child attempts to cool off on a very hot day using a hose pipe. She sprays water directly into her mouth. — Image caption, The Met Office has advised people to stay hydrated during the heatwave

Tips for a Good Night's Sleep

One significant challenge during heatwaves is achieving restful sleep.

Andy Love, director of Shade the UK, stated last year that many homes "do not function properly during hot weather."

The NHS advises that adults generally require seven to nine hours of sleep per night, though this varies by age, health, and individual circumstances.

Teenagers, children, and infants need more sleep than adults.

The British Red Cross recommends sleeping on the lowest level of the home and turning off electrical devices when possible, as even standby mode can generate heat.

The charity also suggests taking a lukewarm or cool shower before bed and wearing cold socks to help reduce body temperature.

Using thin, cotton bedding is advised to absorb sweat effectively.

Since body temperature naturally decreases overnight, it is advisable to use a cover while sleeping to avoid waking due to cold.

Analysis - Derek Brockway, BBC Weather

Derek Brockway, BBC Weather presenter, commented on the forecast for Wales:

"The weather in Wales will turn increasingly hot over the next few days with plenty of strong sunshine and another heatwave lasting into next week.

Compared to the last month, this heatwave will be less extreme and less oppressive with lower humidity.

I don't think we will break any records but some warm nights are expected with overnight lows typically about 14°C to 20°C.

The highest maximum temperature on record for July in Wales is 37.1°C recorded at Hawarden Airport in July 2022.

Friday is likely to be the hottest day of the week in Wales with maximum temperatures generally in the high twenties or low 30s. A peak of 34°C is possible in the Monmouth area.