Warm spell to set record temperatures for Island Walk

It could be the hottest Island Walk on record this weekend, with temperatures set to reach 30 °C in Jersey on Saturday (21 June).

An Island Walk with temperatures in the mid to high twenties isn't uncommon for the hundreds who take on the iconic 48 mile challenge around Jersey's coastline each June...

...But if it hits 30 °C on Saturday as predicted, it won't just be the walkers setting records.

The heat is set to make an already tough challenge, that bit more gruelling.

However, walkers have always taken June's unpredictable weather patterns in their stride.

Gareth Powell, Senior Forecaster at Jersey Met has been looking back at past records:

"In 2022, the temperature reached 27.7 Celsius, but rather than being fine and sunny, that was accompanied by some quite strong winds and thundery showers - quite disruptive weather despite the warmth.

"If the walk had been on the previous day, the temperature reached a high of 33 Celsius - that would have been an exceptionally warm one a day earlier.

"If it had been a day later, temperatures only reached a high of 16 Celsius, so that year it was straight down the middle.

"The warmest of the past 20 years was in 2025, which was at 28.5 Celsius."

Saturday's forecast includes some light to moderate southeasterly winds, which will provide some 'respite'.

Around 1,000 people have signed up for the full 48 miles, plus 40 relay teams including firefighters who intended to do it in full kit.

Rob Syvret, Chair of the Island Walk, says they will make sure everyone taking part stays safe:

"It adds to the challenge, no doubt about it, but we prep our checkpoint managers to look out for people walking, to keep an eye out to make sure they are physically able to continue walking; they're there for people's safety."

Stations will be stocked with water, and islanders are reminded to read the walking guidelines to make sure they are properly prepared.

"Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses  - keep hydrated all the way through the walk." 

Hundreds more people are expected to attend this year's Pride Parade on Saturday, with a procession through St Helier and entertainment at the People's Park.

Temperatures in Jersey are forecast to climb between now and Sunday as warm air comes up from Spain.  Three consecutive days of 28°C or above would officially be a heatwave.

It's prompted Public Health to issue a warning. Professor Peter Bradley, Director of Public Health, said: 

"While we welcome the warm weather, extreme heat can cause harm to health including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. There are a number of events happening this weekend and I encourage all Islanders attending, to take precautions and stay safe in the hot weather."

Some simple steps Islanders can take to stay cool during this hot spell include:

o   avoid going outside during the heat of the day (midday to 6pm)

o   leave strenuous activities for the evening when it is cooler

o   take cold baths and showers

o   drink plenty of water and avoid coffee and alcohol

o   keep your home cool by closing curtains, opening windows and using fans

o   wear a hat and loose light clothing, try to stay in the shade and carry water with you

Meanwhile, Jersey Water's Mark Bowden is repeating the call to islanders to use water sparingly.

"We are seeing the effects of the very dry spring, and (reservoir) levels are starting to drop, and we are only in the middle of June.

"Although we have had rainfall (earlier this month), that's only really had the effect of stopping levels of storage dropping. We need to think about saving what we can for what might be a long, dry summer ahead."