Hundreds of schools across England are fully or partially closing over the next few days as a heat dome settles over western Europe, bringing temperatures that could reach nearly 40°C. The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat from 9am Wednesday to 9pm Thursday, covering an area from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham. Amber warnings are in place for other parts of England and Wales.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Expected
Forecasters predict temperatures could surpass the June record of 35.6°C set in Hampshire in 1976, potentially reaching 39°C by Thursday. The highest temperature recorded on Tuesday was 34.6°C in Wisley, Surrey. The UK's all-time high of 40.3°C, recorded in July 2022, could be approached. Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “The Met Office is flagging 39°C as a headline maximum temperature on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East. It is possible we could see temperatures higher than the 39°C if the final values are at the upper end of our narrow range.” He added that high humidity will make the heat even harder to endure.
School Closures and Transport Disruption
In Somerset, around 100 schools will be closed over the next three days, with most fully shut on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Somerset Council. In Buckinghamshire, approximately 100 schools will be at least partially closed, and 86 schools in Gloucestershire are affected. Some schools are allowing children to wear PE kit instead of full uniform. The extreme heat is also causing transport disruption: East Midlands Railway has advised customers to only make essential journeys on Wednesday and Thursday, while Avanti West Coast plans to run fewer services and warns of further disruption. The Army has cancelled ceremonial operations in London and Windsor to protect soldiers' wellbeing.
Health Risks and Overnight Heat
Age UK warned that extreme heat is a dangerous time for older people, noting that those aged 75 and over accounted for around nine in 10 heat-related deaths in England last summer. Overnight temperatures did not drop below 20°C at nine locations across England, creating tropical nights. Thunderstorms and lightning strikes occurred over England early Tuesday. The Met Office posted on X: “Last night, parts of England and Wales didn’t drop below 20°C. Tonight, more areas will remain around 20°C, leading to an uncomfortable night’s sleep.”
France Also Suffers Extreme Heat
France recorded its hottest day on record on Tuesday, with an average daily temperature of 29.8°C. At least 11 weather stations reported over 40°C, with a high of 44.3°C in Pissos, Landes. Meteo France said the current heatwave is comparable to August 2003, which lasted 16 days. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu reported 40 drowning deaths since June 18, mainly among young people.
