Keeping Safe and Well During the Hot Weather

23 June 2026

Dear Colleagues, 

With the current hot weather, I wanted to provide some updates regarding the current situation with the hot weather and to also take the opportunity to remind everyone of some simple but important public health advice to help keep yourselves and others safe and well. 

The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat and a red heat health alert has been issued. 

The red weather warning issued by the Met Office covers a large part of the South of the UK from 09:00 hours on Wednesday until 21:00 hours on Thursday. 
Meanwhile, a red heat health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will also cover the same area. 

Whilst the red weather warning relates to heat and high temperatures, what makes this event particularly challenging is the fact that this also includes high humidity.   

I am acutely aware that such high temperatures will affect service delivery.  We have significant numbers of colleagues working on the front line, in care homes, at school and out in our communities.   

I met with colleagues from the Council’s Strategic Leadership Team this morning and received an update from our Civil Contingency team to ensure we are as prepared as possible.  We will review the situation again tomorrow morning.   

Any changes to service delivery affecting residents will be added to the website throughout the day today and for the rest of the week.  

In the meantime, please remember to: 

• Check on others, especially older people, young children, and anyone who may be more vulnerable to the effects of the heat. 
• Stay in the shade where possible, particularly during the hottest parts of the day. 
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. 
• Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains, blinds and windows during the day, then opening windows in the evening when temperatures begin to drop. 
• Use sunscreen with SPF 30+ and at least 4-star UVA protection if you are spending time outdoors. 

Further advice and information is available from: 

Public Health Wales: https://phw.nhs.wales/knowledge-article/hot-weather/

Met Office weather warnings and advice: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings  

Yesterday, we also circulated guidance to managers on ensuring their teams can work safely during periods of hot weather, including taking appropriate measures and making adjustments to working patterns where possible. I am also aware that the Director of Learning and Skills has also issued advice to all schools earlier today. As stated above, we will review the situation further tomorrow morning and if necessary, further updates will be issued.

I would be grateful if everyone could familiarise themselves with that guidance. If you have any concerns about your working environment or arrangements, please raise them with your manager or Head of Service. 

Thank you for your support in helping to keep yourselves, your colleagues and our communities safe during this period of hot weather. 

Diolch yn fawr, 

Rob