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Cardiff experienced the warmest June night ever recorded in the UK, with temperatures reaching 33.3°C in Bute Park on Wednesday. Throughout the night, temperatures remained high, not falling below 23.5°C, surpassing the previous record of 22.7°C set in 1976. Forecasters expect Wales to face its hottest June day on Thursday, with temperatures predicted to rise up to 36°C, prompting the Met Office to extend the red extreme heat warning until midnight.
The intense heat has caused significant disruptions across Wales, including extensive school closures, with over 840 schools shut on Thursday. Regions such as Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Powys, Pembrokeshire, Swansea, Cardiff, and Rhondda Cynon Taf have all reported increased closures. Mathew Evans, headteacher of Ysgol Glantaf and Bro Edern in Cardiff, described the decision to close schools as “momentous,” emphasizing the overheating caused by small classrooms and limited window openings. He also noted that kitchen staff are working in “stifling” conditions and highlighted the challenges of retrofitting older school buildings to cope with rising temperatures.
Transport services have also been impacted by the extreme heat. Network Rail reported that the railways are under “significant strain,” advising passengers to travel only if “absolutely necessary.” Several lines, including Chester to Wrexham and Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury, face reduced services or closures. Trains are operating at lower speeds on amended timetables, increasing the likelihood of delays and disruptions. Jake Kelly from Network Rail urged passengers to plan ahead and stay hydrated to remain safe.
The extreme temperatures have posed risks beyond infrastructure, with a tragic incident reported at Aberavon Beach where a 50-year-old man from Cilfew, Neath Port Talbot, died after entering the sea. Despite emergency efforts, including CPR by the coastguard and air ambulance arrival, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Public Health Wales has issued water safety reminders, urging people not to swim alone, avoid alcohol, supervise children, and utilize lifeguarded areas following “Float to Live” safety advice. Experts, including Mary Gagen from Swansea University, stressed that Wales is “absolutely not prepared” for the heat’s consequences, describing the experience as both “frightening and uncomfortable” and calling for improved infrastructure to handle such extreme weather events
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