We’ve all had to endure quite a bit of inclement weather recently, with snow and ice followed by torrential rain and heavy flooding in some parts of Wales over the past few weeks. But some people were left confused by a different kind of weather alert, warning them of “severe” hot weather.
The Met Office accidentally sent weather alerts to people’s phones across the UK on Thursday warning of “severe high temperatures” and a “significant threat to life or property”. The message told recipients to “take action immediately”.
One person who received the alert posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Why did I randomly get a severe weather alert? What’s going on?” Another posted: “Just as well – I’ve still got my shorts on!” For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.
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According to the BBC, the alerts were issued via a “meteorological aggregator that sends weather alerts to a number of places including Apple devices”. It’s unclear how many people across the UK received the message, but the Met Office has since clarified that it was a test alert that was accidentally sent to members of the public.
On Thursday evening, a spokesperson for the Met Office said: “We’re aware of an issue where test weather warnings were displayed on some websites and apps. We are working with partners to ensure these test warnings are being removed, and we’re sorry for any inconvenience. There are currently no Met Office Severe Weather Warnings in force.”
The actual weather forecast for Wales paints a very different picture to one of extremely hot weather. The Met Office forecast for Thursday evening says: “Gusty winds developing this evening and overnight, locally strong over higher ground. Showery rain is possible in places, then clearer spells developing later. Chilly this evening but turning milder overnight. Minimum temperature 4C.”
As for Friday, they say: “Rather cloudy with occasional sunny intervals, especially in the north. Blustery southerly winds, strong in places but locally very mild in any sunshine. Showery rain pushing east through the evening. Maximum temperature 13C.”
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