People sleeping rough in Swansea are among those most at risk as the red extreme heat warning grips south Wales, a homelessness charity has warned.
The Wallich, the largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity in Wales, said its outreach teams are out across the region handing out water, sun cream, hats and wet wipes to people on the streets.
The charity runs rough sleeping outreach and drop-in services in Swansea and Haverfordwest, among other towns, and said many of its centres are opening their doors so people can shelter from the sun during the hottest part of the day.
A spokesperson for the Wallich said people experiencing homelessness are the most exposed to extreme weather, whether that is summer heat or winter cold.
“People on the streets and living in poor quality or temporary housing are the most affected by climate change,” the spokesperson said.
The charity said the dangers in this kind of heat include dehydration, sunstroke and the worsening of existing health conditions or wounds.
Its teams are encouraging people to use cool public spaces such as libraries, as well as the charity’s own centres, while the temperatures are at their highest.
The Wallich said it is also having what it called “sensible conversations” about drug and alcohol use during the heatwave.
It is warning people not to mix drugs and alcohol, as the heat raises the risk of overdose and dehydration, and is advising anyone who does use to take less than usual and drink more fluids.
The charity said it is supporting a number of people who are sleeping in their cars, which it described as extremely dangerous in the current conditions, and is working with councils to find them emergency provision.
It added that more than 10,000 people and families across Wales are living in temporary accommodation, often in smaller, hotter spaces that are harder to keep cool.
The Wallich said the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol — known as SWEP, which opens up emergency shelter in dangerous conditions — has been activated by around half of Welsh councils.
While it welcomed that emergency shelter, the charity called on all councils to now build in a specific heat plan.
“It’s a sign of the times unfortunately that extreme heat will feature year on year, and we must make sure there is adequate and cool daytime spaces for people experiencing homelessness to access,” the spokesperson said.
The charity also had advice for the public on how to help someone they are worried about.
It said people should treat a rough sleeper as they would anyone else — check on them, ask if they are okay if it feels safe to do so, and encourage them towards shade or a cooler space.
Anyone who thinks someone needs urgent help in the heat should alert the emergency services, the charity added.
The warning comes as Swansea Bay bakes under a red warning that has closed schools across the region and prompted police to urge people to stay indoors.
The heat is expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday before easing towards the weekend.
