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Wales Online
5 days ago
- Climate
- Wales Online
Full-five day forecast for Wales as the UK is set to see scorching 30 degree heat
Full-five day forecast for Wales as the UK is set to see scorching 30 degree heat A heatwave has been forecast for later this wee and yellow heat health alerts have been issued for parts of the UK Wales is expected to reach the threshold for a heatwave later this week (Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live ) The UK could see scorching 30 degree temperatures next week as summer officially arrives. Forecasters are expecting Wales to experience an official heatwave over the weekend, but it could get even hotter next week. From Wednesday, the Met Office says there will be plenty of sunshine in Wales with warm temperatures. Friday is looking like it will be the best day of the bunch, with highs of 27°C in Cardiff and lots of sunshine. The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health alerts for most of England with temperatures forecast to hit highs of 33C, although it will be slightly cooler in Wales. BBC weatherman Derek Brockway said with the "hot" weather from Thursday onwards, it looks like a heatwave will officially be declared in Wales over the weekend. For the heatwave criteria to be met, there needs to be at least three days in a row with highs of 25°C Celsius or more. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here The Met Office forecast for the end of this week says: "Generally fine and warm with lengthy sunny periods. Perhaps cloudier and breezier later, with a few showers possible. Becoming very warm for most and feeling hot in the sunshine." Article continues below Here is the full forecast for Wales over the next five days, with a look ahead into the scorching temperatures next week: Wednesday The Met Office forecast for Thursday says: "Any cloud or mist clearing relatively quickly, leaving a fine day with plenty of strong sunshine. Feeling very warm with light and variable winds. Maximum temperature 23 °C." Thursday Temperatures really start to heat up on Thursday, with highs of 26C forecast in the Welsh capital. Friday Friday will be even hotter, with highs of 29C in Wrexham and 27C in Cardiff. It also looks like it will be the sunniest day of the week, with very little cloud cover. Saturday Saturday is expected to remain warm and sunny, albeit a little bit cooler than Friday. Temperatures of 28C are forecast for Wrexham, while Swansea is set to see highs of 22C. Sunday It will be less bright and hot on Sunday, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 21C. Long-range forecast As we move into next week, the Met Office's long-range forecast says that the warm temperatures are here to say. However, rather than the bright weather forecast for the coming days, there is a chance that Wales could be hit with thunderstorms, while England sees the hotter mid-30C temperatures. The long-range forecast says: "Very warm or hot conditions will likely be the focus of the weather over the weekend and into the start of next week. Temperatures could remain in the low thirties of Celsius across parts of England, with a small chance of approaching mid thirties in some places. " Heatwave thresholds may continue to be exceeded across parts of the UK at first. Temperatures overnight will also be very warm and perhaps humid for much of the UK. Article continues below "Across the west of the British Isles, cloudier conditions could bring showers with the odd lightning flash. Winds will also be light for most, and moderate around coasts further west. From early mid week, signs are the heat will ease, with rain and showers, and less hot conditions, perhaps moving in from the west."
Wales Online
05-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
The Welsh health board which has spent 10 years in special measures
The Welsh health board which has spent 10 years in special measures The resulting decade has, in the words of opposition politicians, been a "failure" of both management, accountability and the Welsh Government Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has spent a decade almost constantly in special measures (Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live ) It is 10 years since a health board became the first in Wales to be put into special measures - an intervention used when a health board is facing significant challenges such as financial difficulties, poor performance, or governance issues. The resulting decade has, in the words of opposition politicians, been a "failure" of both management, accountability and the Welsh Government. Speaking in the Senedd in a Conservative-led debate, Gareth Davies, MS for Vale of Clwyd, said: "Betsi has spent longer in special measures than any other organisation in the history of the NHS." In a debate about its performance, the Senedd was told: In June 2015, just two people waited over two years for treatment. Today, that figure stands at 5,747 Of the 8,389 pathways in Wales waiting over two years, 68% of those are in Betsi Patients in north Wales are 1,460 times more likely to face such delays than in England. A quarter of all NHS waiting lists in Wales, whether for diagnostics, therapies or treatment, fall under Betsi's jurisdiction Betsi Cadwaladr was fined £250,000 after three elderly patients died from preventable falls Over 8,000 ambulance hours were lost to handover delays back in 2024 alone, with emergency department waits averaging 8.5 hours. Betsi's A&E performance is the worst in Wales, with over 39% of patients waiting over four hours Less than 60% of cancer patients receive the necessary treatment within the clinically recommended timescale Mr Davies said: "In June 2015, just two people waited over two years for treatment. Today, that figure stands at 5,747—a staggering 287,250% increase. Of the 8,389 pathways in Wales waiting over two years, 68% of those are in Betsi. Patients in north Wales are 1,460 times more likely to face such delays than in England. A quarter of all NHS waiting lists in Wales, whether for diagnostics, therapies or treatment, fall under Betsi's jurisdiction, despite it serving just a fraction of the population." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . "The human cost is alarming. The Health and Safety Executive fined Betsi Cadwaladr £250,000 after the tragic deaths of three elderly patients from preventable falls, with the inspector noting that the board failed to follow its own safety policies. Audit Wales's 2024 report paints a grim picture of ongoing leadership instability and a lack of coherent long-term planning. Article continues below "Over 8,000 ambulance hours were lost to handover delays back in 2024 alone, with emergency department waits averaging 8.5 hours. Betsi's A&E performance is the worst in Wales, with over 39% of patients waiting over four hours, 17 per cent over 12 hours—far below the national average. "Cancer pathways and ambulance response times are deteriorating and diagnostic waits are abysmal. Over a third of tests are taking longer than eight weeks, undermining the health Secretary's promise to restore an eight-week diagnostic target by March 2026 and the staff are struggling too. "Staff still report feeling undervalued, with engagement scores below the Welsh average, and corporate governance, described as lacking coherence before special measures, remains weak, with inadequate risk scrutiny and financial oversight." He said the Welsh Government had previously lifted it from special measures in 2020, which he said he believed was for political reasons, but the intervention was returned in 2023. Plaid Cymru's health spokesman Mabon ap Gwynfor said there are many chapters to the story of Betsi, which he said was "a long story of chronic failure, executive dysfunction and organisational chaos that has bedevilled the north Wales health board since its creation". "We could spend all day discussing the problems at Betsi Cadwaladr, but what the residents of north Wales are really crying out for is an end to the excuse making and the buck passing, and some tangible evidence of progress towards improved standards." While the Conservatives were calling for a public inquiry he disputed that, saying it would be too long and too costly. "While the situation at Betsi is undoubtedly the most egregious example of Labour's mismanagement of our precious health service, it's far from unique," he said. The Welsh Government's health minister Jeremy Miles said progress has been made. "The reasons why the health board was placed in special measures are well known and have been the subject of scrutiny in this Chamber many times. I don't want to rehearse those today, and neither am I going to analyse the decision to withdraw the board from special measures in 2020. "Over the past two years, we have seen substantial improvements. In the first year, we have seen improvements in corporate governance and in the leadership of the board. In the second year, we have seen a real emphasis on quality and safety, with the board responding to many inherited issues in an open and transparent manner. By now, the work relates to improving management and agreeing on a new operational model, putting it into operation, improving performance, and rooting the necessary foundations that will enable the organisation to be successful in the long term." Mr Miles said the number of people waiting more than two years for treatment halved from just over 10,000 people in December 2024 to just over 5,700 at the end of March, something he accepted still needed "urgent improvements". "The health board has ambitious plans for the year ahead. For the first time ever, it has submitted a balanced three-year plan, after last year achieving financial balance," he said. The vote about whether there should be a public inquiry was lost by the opposition Conservative group. Article continues below
NZ Herald
04-06-2025
- Climate
- NZ Herald
Winter hits Hawke's Bay: Strong winds, heavy rain, and cold forecast
Winter has arrived in Hawke's Bay, bringing with it wind, rain, and cold temperatures. Photo / Ian Cooper The wet, the windy and the cold are Hawke's Bay-bound with temperatures set to plummet this weekend. A low-pressure system crossing the country has caused MetService to issue more than 25 watches and warnings, including a strong wind watch and heavy rain watch for Hawke's Bay. MetService issued the strong
Wales Online
01-06-2025
- Wales Online
'Sick' new seagull trend sees birds deliberately 'enticed onto roads to be hit by cars'
'Sick' new seagull trend sees birds deliberately 'enticed onto roads to be hit by cars' A charity has claimed there is evidence of people throwing food onto roads to watch seagulls swoop down and be hit by vehicles. WARNING: Contains images some people may find distressing Llandudno's Herring Gulls 'all need an ASBO' (Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live ) Bird enthusiasts in Wales have been left appalled by a cruel new "trend" that has emerged, as reported by a local charity. The Foundation for Feathered Friends (FFF) in Caernarfon claims there is increasing evidence of individuals deliberately luring seagulls into traffic by scattering food on the roads, only to watch the birds get struck by passing vehicles. The FFF volunteers have noted a worrying rise in such incidents along the North Wales coastline, with reports suggesting not just youths, but adults too are engaging in this harmful activity. Denise Theophilus, the founder of FFF, said: "We totally support the feeding of wild birds, especially gulls," and "Often they are emaciated when they arrive in coastal communities. But this is not the right way to do it." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here She continued: "Who in their right mind would deliberately put these birds in danger by making them swoop onto roads to be hit by oncoming cars? "We are aware that children will get up to all kinds of mischief – but adults doing this must have some kind of psychiatric issue. "It's definitely a trend, we're seeing more and more instances of it happening. And it's us that have to pick up the poor gulls wounded by monsters like these." Denise highlighted that volunteers have observed such behaviour in various locations including Abergele, Prestatyn, Rhyl, and Llandudno, reports North Wales Live. With the number of injured birds being cared for by North Wales Wild Bird Care, the sister organisation to FFF, she suspects that this disturbing practice is likely occurring in other areas as well. Denise, a local resident, reported an alarming incident where food was deliberately placed on a street in Rhyl, leading to the death of three gulls hit by cars. Two gulls lie dead next to food that was accidentally or deliberately dropped on the road (Image: Cheryl Jones/Foundation for Feathered Friends ) The birds were found "equidistantly" near the food, with a fourth gull later succumbing to its injuries. She also recalled another disturbing episode involving a group of youths in Llandudno. "One of our volunteers was driving through Llandudno when she saw a group of youths throwing food onto a road," she said. "They were laughing as they watched cars come towards the gulls. She wanted to go back and disperse the kids but her husband didn't want to get involved." Litter blown by the wind is another factor contributing to the perilous situation for gulls on busy roads. Social media videos have also highlighted the dangers posed by carelessly discarded food cartons. However, there's online evidence of clips showing gulls being deliberately lured onto roads. Three gulls lie dead next in Rhyl. Rehab volunteers claimed each were found next to food 'deliberately placed on the road' (Image: Jane Taylor/Foundation for Feathered Friends ) Denise claims such practices have been observed outside schools and in retail car parks. When images were shared online, bird lovers were left "sickened" by the claims. One person labelled the practice "shameful and inhuman", while another deemed it "utterly disgraceful". A man claimed some motorists deliberately target gulls. He said: "I've seen a few birds, mainly gulls, laying in the road that have been run over on purpose." Herring gulls are a protected species and are on the Red List for Conservation. The RSPCA has urged people to be mindful when disposing of edible litter. Gulls will themselves scatter food waste on roads by ripping open bin bags (Image: Georgina Ford ) A spokesperson stated: "Gulls can get a bad rap especially in seaside towns, and sadly are thought of by some as a pest. "However, they are simply wild animals trying to survive in their surroundings, and deserve our kindness and respect. "It's important for people to remember that they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is illegal to intentionally harm any wild bird, except under licence." Article continues below The RSPCA offers guidance on how to live in harmony with gulls:.
Wales Online
30-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Woman did something unbelievable to herself after waiting years for eye treatment
Woman did something unbelievable to herself after waiting years for eye treatment A new report has also found that some patients at a Welsh health board are waiting 36 hours for treatment in the emergency department The report was presented at a Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board meeting this week (Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live ) An elderly woman resorted to removing a cyst from her own eye after enduring years of waiting for treatment. The perilous procedure was highlighted in a report which examined the extensive delays faced by individuals awaiting medical treatment for various conditions in North Wales. The Citizen Experiences Report, presented at a Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board meeting on Thursday, revealed that exasperated patients were taking drastic measures due to prolonged waiting times. The report was part of a "listening and understanding initiative to improve health services. The report also detailed lengthy waits endured by patients in the emergency departments at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Ysbyty Wrexham Maelor, and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. Reports of patients waiting up to 36 hours were noted, with "overcrowding, uncertainty, and discomfort" being "common concerns". Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here . There had been 300 enquiries from MPs and MSs regarding their constituents' experiences, with waiting times being "the main focus". One account described an 84-year-old former nurse who had been added to the ophthalmology waiting list in June, 2019, but had waited approximately three years before being seen. "She says that she then had some procedures which did not help, and eventually removed a cyst on her eye herself," the report read. "She is waiting for an eye operation, which was requested in October, 2023, and her eyesight is deteriorating rapidly. As a former nurse and nurse manager, she has given her working life to care for other people. Now she needs some care of her own." Another case involved a man who aspired to join the British Army but was hindered by his dental health. The report said: "He has not been able to find an NHS dentist nearby due to a chronic shortage of dentists in North Wales, and private dentists have quoted a minimum of £3,000 for treatment." The long wait also had a "catastrophic impact" on one patient's life who experienced daily pain, while another, awaiting surgery for bladder stones, suffered from "continual bleeding". Community discussions further highlighted issues relating to outpatient waiting times, access to services, ambulance and emergency department delays, and communication. Llais, the organisation that provides a "voice" for individuals when accessing health services, also collected data. Feedback revealed "significant challenges" in obtaining timely and affordable primary care, difficulties in securing GP appointments, and the lack or loss of NHS dental services. One person said: "I ended up filling my own tooth with a kit from the chemist." Another patient revealed how they'd spent 12 hours in a corridor on a trolley. Long waiting times for specialist services, including audiology, cataract surgery, neuro-developmental assessment, and respiratory care were also flagged as "a major concern". The meeting was informed that while numerous comments pointed to "dissatisfaction or frustration", there was also a wave of "gratitude" and commendation for the "professionalism and compassion" displayed by hospital staff, members, and teams. The report went on to outline steps taken by the board in response to demands for better services. In dental care, this involved establishing contracts valued at over £1.5 million to bolster NHS dental services. Additional procurement processes for general dental services, orthodontics, oral surgery, and non-urgent access amounted to more than £5 million. February saw the introduction of a new dental access portal, which has been helping to "simplify and centralise" the process of obtaining dental care. Improvements have been made across various departments including emergency, dermatology, gynaecology, physiotherapy musculoskeletal, cancer treatments, and a midwifery ward bereavement suite. For neuro-developmental services, which offer mental health support to children and adolescents, an improvement programme for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) was underway. Additionally, the newly established Crisis Hub – Alternatives to Admission – service had provided assistance to 266 individuals within its first three months since launching in February. Article continues below The board recognised there was still "significant work" to be done in tackling "challenges" in a manner that was a "sustainable, long-term way".
