Millwood Primary Special School in Radcliffe, Bury, will remain closed to students on Wednesday and Thursday due to the extreme heatwave affecting the UK. The school announced the closure as the Met Office issued a rare red weather warning for parts of England, with temperatures forecast to reach a staggering 40°C this week.
Red Weather Warning Issued
The Met Office has issued red weather warnings for extreme heat in some parts of England, describing an 'exceptional spell' of hot and humid weather. A 'heat-dome' over western Europe is set to bring record-breaking temperatures for June. The warning covers large parts of southern England and the Midlands, coming into effect at 9am on Wednesday, June 24, and remaining in place until 9pm on Thursday, June 25.
According to the Met Office, a red alert signifies a 'risk to life' and warns that people should 'take action' to keep themselves safe. An amber heat warning is in place for Greater Manchester, where Bury is located.
School Closures and Travel Warnings
Dozens of schools across the UK have been forced to shut to protect pupils amid the warnings. Transport bosses have also warned people against all but essential travel. A red heat health alert has been issued for six regions of England, indicating 'a risk to life for even the healthy population', the UK Health Security Agency said. An amber health alert is in place for Greater Manchester.
A spokesperson for Bury Council stated: 'We have received notification from Millwood Primary Special School that they will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to the extreme temperatures.'
Impact on the Community
The closure of Millwood Primary Special School, which caters to children with special educational needs, highlights the severity of the heatwave and the precautions being taken to ensure student safety. Parents and carers have been advised to make alternative arrangements for childcare during the two-day closure.
