Greggs has announced the temporary closure of 11 stores on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June 2026, citing extreme heat conditions. The bakery chain stated the decision was made to protect staff and customers from the severe hot weather affecting the UK.
Stores Affected and Reopening Plans
In a statement to The Sun, Greggs confirmed: 'Just to let you know – the following shops will be temporarily closed on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June to protect our customers and colleagues during the severe hot weather.' The affected locations include Aldridge, Wolverhampton, Luton, Gosport, Trowbridge, Barnet, Marlborough, Wantage, Dudley, Northampton, and Leicester Square in London. All stores are expected to reopen on Friday, when temperatures are forecast to drop slightly.
Heatwave Context and Impacts
The closures come as a heat dome settles over western Europe, bringing extreme conditions across the continent. The Met Office forecasts temperatures peaking at around 37°C on Wednesday and 38°C on Thursday and Friday, with the possibility of even hotter spots. The UK's previous June temperature record of 35.6°C, set in 1976, could be broken, as human-driven climate change fuels increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves.
At least 1,000 schools and nurseries in England and Wales will be either fully or partially closed over the two days. Some have introduced early finishing times or relaxed uniform rules. Transport services have been disrupted, and authorities are urging people to stay indoors, close windows and curtains, and stay hydrated. The heatwave has also prompted calls for government action to improve cooling infrastructure in hospitals, schools, and care homes.
