Wales weather: Hottest day of the year expected

Friday could be Wales' hottest day so far for 2022 - locations such as Barry Island are expected to be popular

Wales is on course for the hottest day of the year, with temperatures set to soar.

Forecasters said thermometers could hit 30C (86F) in south-east Wales on Friday.

The hot spell has prompted charities to remind pet owners to keep animals safe this summer.

But the hot spell could be short lived, with temperatures expected to drop again on Saturday.

The Met Office said it expects temperatures across large parts of the UK to rise during the week, before peaking on Friday.

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Its deputy chief meteorologist Dan Rudman said temperatures would be "well above average", with the southern half of the UK likely to exceed 30C. Parts of south-east England could even hit 34C (93F).

This forecast has already led to a Level 2 heat-health alert being issued for southern England.

BBC Wales forecaster Derek Brockway said he expected "more fine, sunny weather to come this week" before turning cooler and fresher.

'The hotter the better'

For some businesses, such Jane and Phil's Ice Cream Van Hire, the hot weather is good news.

"We love it, the hotter the better," said 58-year-old Jane Elliot, from Deeside, who has run an ice cream van with her husband Phil for the last 15 years.

Jane Elliot, 58, has run Jane and Phil's Ice Cream Van Hire for 15 years with her husband.

Despite Friday looking like the hottest day of the year so far, Jane is more concerned about her flakes melting than working in 30C heat.

"The van absolutely does not stay cool when it's 30 degrees, we have to put the flakes in the freezer," she said.

"But I'm alright, I open the roof, get the windows open, we love it."

Jane and Phil have three bookings on Friday.

She added: "We absolutely love our job, and we're so glad to be back because we've had two years of nothing because of Covid, we're happy."

'Horrendous' heat

However, not all businesses are so overjoyed at the prospect of 30 degree heat.

Richard Summers, 67, who runs the Thai Chef Truck in Swansea, said the conditions can be "horrendous".

"We've got quite a bit of ventilation, but yeah, it is very, very hot," Richard added.

Unlike Jane and Phil, for Richard's business there isn't even an uptick in trade to make up for the sweltering heat.

"We expect a downturn in turnover because of the weather, people don't want hot hot food in hot hot weather."

Hot but no record temperatures expected

While Wales may notch-up the hottest day of the year so far, it is unlikely records will be broken.

The highest temperature recorded in Wales was 33.7C (92.6F) at Machynlleth, Powys, in June 2000.

The summer heatwave of 1976 caused the mercury to rise to 33.5C (92.3F) at Usk in Monmouthshire.

While it will be sweltering across many parts of Wales, coastal areas in the north will be noticeably cooler - with the likes of Bangor only expected to reach 22C (71.6F).

High temperatures can pose a risk to pets, who need extra care when it is hot, say charities

The spike in temperatures prompted the RSPCA to urge dog owners to think about the risks hot weather can have for their pets.

"We have long-campaigned that dogs die in hot cars, but this year we're highlighting that dogs die on hot walks, too," said the RSPCA's dog welfare specialist Esme Wheeler.

"The message remains very simple - never leave a dog in a hot car because 'not long' is too long, and when it comes to walks, if in doubt, don't go out."

The Royal Life Saving Society UK has also issued a plea to those looking to cool off in water to understand the dangers.

"We have seen a rise in the number of drownings over the last few years, with peaks during the summer," said the society's Lee Heard.

"It is vitally important that everyone has an understanding of water safety, especially during the summer months."

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