Calls for Welsh Government to open 'cool hubs' in public spaces during heatwave
It comes as the Met Office has said temperatures could climb to 33°C in parts of Wales this weekend
People enjoy the sunny, warm weather at Barry Island
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne )
The Welsh Government has been called upon to take "practical measures" during the heatwave in Wales by opening up 'cool hubs' in public spaces with air-conditioning and supporting the fire services to deal with the threat of wildfires. Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS put forward the calls as the Met Office has said temperatures could climb to 33°C in parts of Wales this weekend.
She said that the temperatures will put the elderly and those in inadequate housing are particularly at risk, stating that UK Government data estimated 2,295 deaths were associated with heatwaves in summer 2023, with spring 2025 already the warmest and sunniest on UK record.
The MS added that Wales has also suffered numerous forest and grass fires in recent heatwaves, primarily in Mid Wales and the south Wales valleys, and that community spaces with air conditioning such as gyms, leisure centres and libraries could provide "much-needed respite" from soaring temperatures in summer months, following similar 'cool bank' schemes in other countries.
Jane Dodds MS has made the calls
(Image: Matthew Horwood )
Ms Dodds MS said: 'The imminent hot weather could be very difficult for vulnerable and elderly people, and it also carries the risk of wildfires, which we have already seen breaking out across Wales in recent years.
'It is only right that public spaces, which are there to serve their communities, are used to provide some much-needed relief during the sweltering temperatures.
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'I would also urge ministers to do everything they can to make the public aware of how they can mitigate the risk of wildfires, including by avoiding lighting fires outdoors where possible and being careful with glass and cigarettes.
'Heatwaves and other extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, but too often the Welsh Government is caught on the hop.
"That's why I want to see ministers taking practical steps to keep everyone safe and cool, as well as properly resourcing the fire service so that they can tackle the threats that confront our planet today.'
Met Office chief meteorologist, Jason Kelly, said: 'High pressure from the Atlantic will lead to a build in temperatures over the coming days, with heatwave criteria reached by the weekend.
"Whilst temperatures are expected to build day on day, becoming widely hot, they are unlikely to surpass those recorded at the start of the month. This heatwave is expected to be longer lived and extend further north and west into a larger part of the UK than previously seen this summer.
"Temperatures are expected to peak over the weekend and ease early next week.
"They are expected to reach 30°C in some areas today and exceed 30°C more widely tomorrow (Friday), with peak temperatures on Saturday of 33°C possible in parts of England and Wales.'
'Scotland is also expected to meet heatwave criteria over the weekend.
"This hot spell is forecast to last longer and cover a broader area than previous ones so far this summer and pollen and UV levels will be very high in some areas. For updates, do keep an eye on the Met Office forecast as the picture develops.'
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