River Usk — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in the River Usk, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in the River Usk today is 12.7°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). The water is significantly warmer, and swimming becomes possible for most people. However, caution may still be required for prolonged stays in the water, as extended exposure can cause discomfort. This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and for those accustomed to cooler water. For more comfortable swimming, it is recommended to use proper gear. It is important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in good weather. When the air temperature is below 68°F (20°C), and sometimes even below 77°F (25°C), swimming can be unpleasant even with relatively high water temperatures.
Water Temperature Chart Over the Last 30 Days
Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCT 7 | 13.3°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 8 | 13.8°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 9 | 13.1°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 10 | 13.2°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 11 | 12.6°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 12 | 12.6°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 13 | 12.3°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 14 | 13.0°C | 13.0°C | |
| OCT 15 | 13.0°C | 12.7°C | |
| OCT 16 | 13.0°C | 12.7°C | |
| OCT 17 | 13.0°C | 12.7°C | |
| OCT 18 | 13.0°C | 12.8°C | |
| OCT 19 | 13.0°C | 12.8°C | |
| OCT 20 | 13.0°C | 12.8°C | |
| OCT 21 | 13.0°C | 12.8°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual nearshore water temperatures may fluctuate by several degrees from the reported values, especially following heavy rainfall or extended periods of strong winds. Certain wind patterns can cause colder, deeper waters to rise and replace the sun-warmed surface water, leading to noticeable variations.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that considers real-time water temperature changes, historical trends, key weather patterns, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each region. Additionally, we incorporate data from other resorts to enhance accuracy.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C | 6°C | 9°C |
| February | 3°C | 7°C | 9°C |
| March | 5°C | 9°C | 11°C |
| April | 7°C | 11°C | 14°C |
| May | 9°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| June | 11°C | 18°C | 24°C |
| July | 13°C | 19°C | 25°C |
| August | 15°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| September | 13°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| November | 5°C | 9°C | 11°C |
| December | 3°C | 7°C | 9°C |
River Usk: Water Temperature by Location
River Usk: Weather Forecast
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Location & Local Information
Source:
• location Fan Brycheiniog, Carmarthenshire / Powys, Wales
• coordinates 51°54′3″N 3°43′19″W
• elevation 502 m (1,647 ft)
Mouth Severn Estuary
• location Uskmouth, Newport, Wales
• coordinates 51°32′31″N 2°59′6″W
• elevation 0 m (0 ft)
Length 125 km (78 mi)
The River Usk is one of Wales's principal salmon rivers, flowing from the Brecon Beacons National Park through rural landscapes toward the Bristol Channel. Due to its source in the hills and its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the water remains cold year-round. Typical winter temperatures drop to a chilly 4∘C to 7∘C (39∘F to 45∘F). Even in the height of summer, the river warms only modestly, with temperatures usually peaking around 14∘C to 17∘C (57∘F to 63∘F), occasionally exceeding 20∘C (68∘F) during heatwaves, which can be stressful for its fish populations.
While there is no blanket prohibition on swimming, the River Usk is not officially designated as bathing water, and unsupervised swimming is generally discouraged. This is primarily due to safety concerns from strong currents, unpredictable depth, and cold water shock. Additionally, sections of the Usk have faced issues with poor water quality, including pollution from sewage discharges, which poses a health risk. Wild swimming is sometimes tolerated in traditional, tranquil spots like the Island Picnic Site near Usk or Llangynidr Falls in its upper reaches, but swimmers must exercise extreme caution. Nearby attractions include the historic market towns of Abergavenny and Crickhowell, the ruins of Usk Castle, and the expansive Brecon Beacons National Park for hiking and watersports like canoeing.