Sports facilities shut in south Wales as public safety alert issued over heatwave

Several tennis courts across south Wales have confirmed they will shut on Wednesday and Thursday as the country prepares for a period of extreme heat.

Temperatures could climb as high as 38C in some parts of the country, with amber and red weather warnings in place until Thursday, June 25. The red warning for extreme heat is due to begin on Wednesday morning, June 24, and remain in force until Thursday evening.

A red weather warning means conditions could become dangerous, with possible damage to property and a risk to life. People are normally advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

The areas covered by the red warning include Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Because of the warning, Tennis Wales in the Park, which manages a number of tennis courts in Cardiff, Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan, has confirmed that its sites will close later this week.

In a message sent to members, the organisation said: “Due to the red weather warning in place on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June, we have made the decision to close all Tennis Wales in the Park sites on health and safety grounds.

“All pay and play bookings during this period will be fully refunded.

“As well as health and safety concerns, court surfaces that are still early in their lifespan can also be affected by long periods of high temperatures. Some materials used on the courts may soften in sustained heat, which could lead to damage.”