The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat, leading to the closure of over 1,200 schools and nurseries across England and Wales on Thursday, with many remaining shut on Friday. Temperatures are anticipated to surpass the already record-breaking peaks, with meteorologists warning of significant disruption to daily life.
Red Warning in Force
Red warnings for extreme heat have been issued for an area from London and the south coast to Swansea, Somerset, and Birmingham until late on Thursday. The Met Office stated that the exceptional heat will push northwards, with an even hotter day ahead for some. The forecaster cautioned that significant disruption to daily life is likely.
School Closures and Adjustments
At least 1,200 schools and nurseries will either be closed or partially closed on Thursday, with many remaining shut on Friday. Pupils at certain schools have been permitted to wear PE kit in place of their full school uniform, which typically includes long trousers and blazers. Parents have been left facing difficulties as numerous schools are requesting that children be collected at lunchtime, rather than the usual afternoon pick-up times. Working parents have the right to take up to four weeks of unpaid parental leave annually, which can be utilised in cases of unexpected school closures.
Full List of Affected Schools
The closures span multiple counties and regions, including Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Birmingham and Staffordshire, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cornwall, Devon, Essex, Gloucestershire, Greater London, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Kent, Manchester, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Southampton, Sussex, Swindon, Weston-super-Mare (and North Somerset), Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Yorkshire, and Wales (including Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, and Torfaen).
