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Extreme Heat: Service Updates and Guidance

This page provides the latest updates and advice to help you stay safe and informed

 

The Met Office has issued amber and red weather warnings for extreme heat affecting the Vale of Glamorgan:

  • Amber warning: Tuesday 23 June
  • Red warning: Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June

 

Updates to Council Services

Recycling and Waste

Collection crews for recycling and waste will start work earlier than usual.

  • Crews will begin from 5am on Wednesday 24 June
  • If your collection day is Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, please place your waste out by 5am

If we are unable to collect on your scheduled day, please leave your waste out and crews will return the following day.

 

Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs)

Our HWRCs will be closing from 1pm on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June. Anyone with an existing appointment will be contacted and no new appointments can be booked between 1pm - 6pm. 

 

Schools and School Closures

Schools are expected to follow national guidelines on managing heat. 

 

Measures may include:

  • Adjusted uniform expectations
  • Increased access to drinking water
  • Changes to outdoor activities or timetables

Some Vale schools have decided to close or partially close on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June. Please check directly with your child's school for the latest information.  

 

If your child’s school is closed, please make sure they are staying safe in the sun and following public health advice.

 

If they are visiting the coastline or country parks, remind them to stay safe around water and avoid swimming in unsafe or prohibited areas, including Rhoose Point Lagoons, Cosmeston Lakes and the area around Penarth Pier.

  

Parks, Playgrounds and Outdoor Spaces

Our outdoor facilities will remain open, but outdoor play equipment and surfaces may become very hot. Visitors are reminded to avoid peak heat times and follow guidance on staying safe and protected in the sun. 

 

Please note:

  • There is likely to be increased congestion around coastal and visitor destinations
  • Please park responsibly and be mindful of local access and emergency routes
  • We also ask visitors to treat staff with respect as they work in challenging conditions

 

Water safety

If you’re visiting the beach to cool off, please follow RNLI guidance to stay safe. Be aware of the risks and choose safe places to swim. Check tide times before entering the water.

 

Water Safety Advice and Tips - Know the Risks

 

Do not swim in unsafe or prohibited areas, including:

  • Rhoose Point Lagoons
  • Cosmeston Lakes

Diving is also prohibited at Penarth Pier.

 

Health and Safety Guidance  

Advice from Public Health Wales:

  • Check on others – especially older people, young children, and those who are vulnerable 

  • Stay in the shade where possible 

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day 

  • Keep indoor spaces cool – close curtains/blinds/windows by day, open in the evening 

  • Use sunscreen – SPF 30+ with at least 4‑star UVA protection 

Further advice from Public Health Wales about what to do in hot weather, and how to keep cool, can be found on their website