Wales sees new hottest May day record

A new record for the hottest May day in Wales has been set.

The country broke May records for the second consecutive day, as provisional temperatures reached 32.9C in Bute Park, Cardiff the Met Office said, surpassing Monday's record of 32.2C at Hawarden Airport in Flintshire.

The previous record was 30.6C at Newport on 29 May 1944. The country's highest temperature on record is 37.1C recorded at Harwarden Bridge, Flintshire, on 18 July 2022.

Much of England and Wales is in an official heatwave, with amber and yellow heat-health alerts issued for many areas by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Temperatures have risen further in both Wales and England - which both recorded their hottest May days ever.

In its latest update, the Met Office said that the UK May and spring temperature record was provisionally broken for the second day in a row.

It said that in Wales the May temperature record was surpassed again for the second day as 32.9C was recorded at Bute Park in Cardiff.

While in England 35.1C was also recorded at Kew Gardens.

Much of Wales is in an official heatwave as of Tuesday.

A location has to reach a threshold temperature - 25C for three days in a row.

The bank holiday weekend saw beaches across the country packed with visitors as many made the most of the sunshine.

Dr Anya Gopfert, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it's important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days.

"If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice."

Welsh Water is urging people to stay out of reservoirs because of the warm weather.

It said "reservoirs can be extremely dangerous, despite appearing calm and safe" adding they can contain "hidden hazards including very cold water, deep and steep-sided banks, strong currents, underwater machinery and sudden drops".

The company said that unauthorised swimming, paddling and the use of inflatables in reservoirs, which can be in remote locations, can put lives at risk - both for those entering the water and anyone attempting a rescue.

The advice comes as three teenagers died in separate incidents at beauty spots across England on Bank Holiday Monday.