News

Wales’ record temperature of 35.2°C could be broken in coming days as heatwave continues

Published

4 years ago

July 15, 2022

WALES is in line to see exceptional temperatures developing later this weekend and early next week.

The Met Office said: “If anything computer model output over last 24-36 hrs has reinforced the signal for the hot temperatures more widely across Wales. We have just issued a Red warning (High Likelihood of High Impacts) for parts of England –

“We are not currently considering issuing a Red warning for Wales, but we are now considering issuing another Amber warning to cover more of North Wales and Dyfed-Powys during Monday and Tuesday – although this is likely to be for Medium Likelihood of Medium level Impacts on our risk matrix.

“SO as far as warnings are concerned – we will see a greater expanse of Amber across Wales shortly (see updated Warning that now covers Pembrokeshire) – but high impacts and temperatures are probably more likely the further east you are.”

As far as timings are concerned we continue to see heat build across Wales during Saturday but more especially Sunday with heat likely to peak on Monday and Tuesday. We should start to see a transition to less warm air on Tuesday night and Wednesday – possibly with thunderstorms. At the moment it looks as if many places will see daytime temperatures in the low 30’s early next week, and the hottest temperatures in Wales are likely to be in and around communities that are in the east of Wales where we could see values in the mid 30’s, although we also see some indications of high values in some communities that are to the north of high ground – eg along the North Wales coast and perhaps along parts of north Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion coast too. Wales record temperature is 35.2°C – there is a reasonable chance it could be broken. As well as hot daytime temperatures we will see some high night time temperatures on Sunday night and especially Monday night these likely to particularly high and possibly record breaking in themselves in and around the bigger cities and conurbations. The cumulative effects of a number of very warm nights and hot days will be difficult and unpleasant for many and dangerous for some too.

We have just issued a Red (High Likelihood of High Impacts) warning for parts of England. As I said above – we are not currently expecting to issue a Red warning for Wales but remember that a Red warning means a High Likelihood of High Impacts, and the Amber warning we have in place already means there is Medium Likelihood of High Impacts and that in itself is a very strong statement of risk over the coming days.

Over the weekend and into next week then we can expect to see a progressive increase in hot weather effects on people, and to an extent on parts of our infrastructure too. The spell of hot weather will also mean a significant increase in potential for wildfire/grass fire incidents particularly as this spell of strong hot sunshine (and low humidity) comes after some months now of low rainfall across Wales – again indications we have from our modelling capability continue to indicate some exceptional conditions for “fire weather” developing.

In summary then – we will see another Amber warning issued shortly later for Mon/Tues for parts of Wales not currently covered by the current warning. A red warning will be issued for England, but not Wales – it will however generate a lot of UK wide coverage. It will be hot everywhere – especially on Monday and Tuesday – quite possibly record breaking and the cumulative effects of some hot nights and a couple of hot days on people and perhaps infrastructure could mean many agencies have a difficult time over the coming days.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

6 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

6 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.