IT AIN’T HALF HOT LOVING THESE
THOUSANDS of people made the most of the sweltering weather across Wales on the hottest day of the year so far. From Barry Island to Swansea Bay and beyond, thousands made the most of the glorious weather which saw temperatures hit the high 20Cs.
The sweltering sunshine saw Cardiff flooded with day-trippers basking in Bute Park and making the most of the alfresco weather at the capital’s many bars and restaurants.
A 2,000-mile wide plume of 45C hot air from Spain is the reason for the heatwave, which could see the mercury here edge towards the 30C mark on Sunday.
Swansea and Barry Island were both packed full of good weather visitors, with hundreds of people descending on the coast.
And hundreds of people soaked up the rays in Castle Square, Swansea, as cafés and restaurants reaped the rewards of the extra visitors.
Megan Griffiths, of Nantagredig, near Carmarthen, was out making the most of the sun in Swansea with her friend Lorna Evans.
Megan said: “It’s nice to have some sunshine for once it doesn’t happen often.
“We came here today for a bit of shopping but we may as well make the most of the weather and go down to Mumbles for an ice cream.”
Both the newly refurbished Mumbles pier and nearby business saw an increase of visitors.
“I think that the weather forecasts we have heard in the press with regards the predicted heatwave has really inspired people to come out and we are all benefiting as businesses,” said Adrian Short, the manager of the Worm’s Head Hotel in Rhossili, Gower.
“We are a bit more hampered than usual due to the closure of the car park but still we have had a lot more customers than usual come through our doors.
“The beach is packed and there are a load of people using the coastal path, so what we are finding is that there are a lot more people coming in for tea and drinks as they are passing by.”
A spokesman for Mumbles pier said that the hot weather had seen an increase in visitors to the newly refurbished attraction.
He said: “Weather like this always gives a boost to tourism and whatever new attractions come along the great public will always want to come down to the seaside.”
People basking in the Cardiff sun and soaking up the sights also had an eyeful of hundreds of naked bike riders cycling through the city, with several of the care-free parade cooling off in the Callaghan Square fountains.
After previous spells of hot weather caused travel chaos at the popular Pen y Fan spot, day trippers appeared to heed police warnings.
Following recent clampdowns on people parking illegally, Dyfed-Powys Police carried out patrols in the area to make sure the A470 was kept clear.
There were no reports of heavy traffic, with bollards being erected to help control traffic, as hundreds attended various events nearby.
Although thousands made the most of the glorious weather, for some it was all too much.
In the blistering temperatures a number of soldiers on parade at the Trooping the Colour ceremony to celebrate the Queen’s 91st birthday couldn’t take the heat.
Under clear blue skies around three men collapsed in the heat as the Queen and her family looked on at Horse Guards Parade in London.
Two men were taken to hospital after 16 people, all believed to be Iraqi nationals, were found in the back of a lorry in sweltering heat.
Emergency services helped free 13 men, two women and a child from the back of the HGV in West Sussex.
The Met Office forecast predicts Sunday will be another fine and mostly sunny day for Wales.
With some light winds, temperatures are set to feel hot and humid, although it will feel a little cooler in coastal areas. The maximum temperature is forecast to be 29C.
The good weather looks likely to continue into Monday which will remain mostly hot and sunny.