Wales is set to bask in more hot and sunny weather over the coming days, with temperatures expected to reach 34°C as the latest heatwave continues.
The Met Office says high pressure will remain firmly in control, bringing widespread sunshine, dry conditions and temperatures well above average. Thursday and Friday are expected to be the hottest days of the week, with many parts of England and Wales exceeding 30°C.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber and yellow heat health alerts, warning that the prolonged spell of hot weather could have significant impacts on health and social care services.
For Wales, Thursday will begin with any morning low cloud and fog quickly clearing to leave a fine, sunny day.
The Met Office forecast says: “Morning low cloud and fog will quickly disperse to leave a fine and sunny day. Any lingering fog offshore may lap onto some coastal stretches at times. Feeling very warm in the July sunshine, with light winds.”
Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 32°C on Thursday before remaining warm overnight, with minimum temperatures of around 12°C.
Friday is expected to be even hotter, with maximum temperatures reaching 34°C across parts of Wales.
The forecast adds: “Early fog clearing to leave a hot and sunny day across the country. Light winds and high UV levels expected. A very warm evening and night to come too.”
The settled conditions are then expected to continue through the weekend.
The Met Office outlook for Saturday to Monday says: “Staying dry, sunny and very warm throughout. The wind picking up a little may just allow it to feel not quite as hot for most. Nights remaining warm.”
Across the UK, temperatures could reach 35°C or even 36°C in parts of England by Friday, making it one of the hottest spells of the year.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: “Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across southeast England through the weekend and into next week, it won’t be a straightforward end to the warm weather.
“High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards. This means that an easterly wind will become established in the south, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the southwest.
“As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks will begin to cool. It will however, remain very warm, especially in the southwest, and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places.
“The overall signal is for continued fine, dry and very warm weather at times for many parts of the UK into next week. There is however a chance of thunderstorms spreading into parts of the south and southwest.”
Although humidity is expected to be lower than during the late June heatwave, the Met Office says some towns and cities may still experience very warm nights, making it difficult for some people to sleep. High UV levels are also expected throughout the spell of sunny weather.
