First Minister urges caution as ‘extreme heat warning’ set to remain in place until Thursday

The First Minister has urged caution as an “extreme heat” amber warning for much of Wales by the Met Office is set to remain in place until Thursday.

It’s the first time ever the Met Office has warned about extreme heat which will last “both by day and night will continue this week leading to public health impacts”.

Mark Drakeford pointed to advice by NHS 111 telling people to use suncream, take plenty of water and any medication they might need while out in the sun.

“An Extreme Heat Warning is still in place for large parts of Wales,” he said. “If you’re out and about, please remember to take extra care.”

The heat warning is in place for much of mid and the south of Wales, although the north is exempted. It will come to and end at midnight on Thursday.

The Met Office warn that adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat, and that the wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat-related illnesses.

They also warn that more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents.

There is also an increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, leading to power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses.