Heat Emergency Closes Schools Across Wales
A red warning for extreme heat has been issued for Wednesday and Thursday, prompting the closure of more than 500 schools in Wales as the country braces for soaring temperatures.
Schools have shut down across mid and south Wales, including all schools in Blaenau Gwent and the majority in Caerphilly and Bridgend.
Nerys Evans, the Welsh government's deputy minister for public and preventative health, described the situation as a "heat emergency" and urged the public to take precautions to protect themselves and others.
"This is a heat emergency that we've got over the next couple of days, and we will see extra demand on our health service," Evans said during an interview on BBC Radio Wales Drive on Tuesday.
"That's why it's so important that people follow the basic rules of keeping themselves hydrated, out of the sun and more importantly looking after vulnerable people who can't regulate their own body temperatures like we do."
The red warning covers Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach up to 37°C.
School Closures Confirmed in Multiple Areas
School closures have been confirmed in Cardiff, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Public Health Wales has issued advice urging people throughout Wales to stay safe and check on family and friends during the heatwave.
"Many homes and daily routines were not designed for sustained high temperatures, and therefore people could become unwell more easily," the agency warned.
"Heat-related illness could affect anyone, but older people, babies, young children, and people with underlying health conditions are at greatest risk."
Additional groups at risk include those who work outdoors, residents of top-floor flats, and individuals exposed to heat for prolonged periods.
Details of Weather Warnings
The red weather warning for extreme heat starts at 09:00 BST on Wednesday and continues until 21:00 on Thursday. It applies to Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan, as well as parts of England.
In addition, a separate amber warning is in place for the entirety of Wednesday and Thursday, covering all of Wales.
Impact of the Heatwave
The intense heat has already caused disruptions in parts of Wales, including the closure of a historic bridge and effects on public services.
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