A rare red warning for extreme heat has forced at least 100 schools to close across England and Wales on Wednesday, as temperatures are forecast to reach 40°C. The Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued urgent warnings, with people urged not to travel due to expected disruptions to transport, energy, and water supplies.
Extreme Heat and Humidity Impact
Temperatures could hit 40°C on Wednesday and Thursday in parts of England and Wales as a "heat dome" settles over western Europe. The red warning covers an area from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, in effect from 9am Wednesday to 9pm Thursday. The UK's all-time high of 40.3°C, recorded in Lincolnshire in July 2022, could be approached. The June record of 35.6°C set in Hampshire in 1976 is also expected to be broken.
According to the Met Office, a combination of extreme heat and humidity could impact public health, infrastructure, power, and water supplies. There is also an increased risk of water safety incidents as more people visit coastal areas, lakes, or rivers. 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: "It is important to remember that the temperature value is only one element of this extreme heatwave story. The other major factor is the high humidity, which for many will make the intense heat even harder to endure."
School Closures Across Regions
Extreme temperatures have led to widespread school closures or early dismissals to protect pupils. In Somerset, almost 100 schools will be fully closed on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Somerset Council. Around 100 schools in Buckinghamshire will be at least partially closed, along with 86 schools in Gloucestershire. Many schools have advised children to wear PE kit instead of formal uniform.
In London, schools such as Sydenham School, Fielding Primary School, and Cheam High School are among those closed. Bristol has seen closures including Ashton Gate Primary School and Bristol Cathedral Choir School. Hampshire schools like Crestwood Community School and Swanmore College have closed early. In Oxfordshire, schools including Didcot Girls' School and Cheney School are closed. Wales has also seen closures, with Llanwern High School and Cardiff High School shutting.
Transport Disruptions and Warnings
Transport bosses have urged people to avoid travelling on Wednesday and Thursday. National Rail warned of disruptions to Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, and Thameslink services until Friday. Avanti West Coast plans to run fewer services, and Chiltern Railways has axed more than half its services until Friday. Eurostar has cancelled four trains between London and Paris due to expected adverse weather.
Health Alerts and Public Advice
Red heat health alerts have been issued by UKHSA for the East of England, East Midlands, London, South East, South West, and West Midlands, with amber alerts for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber. These alerts mean "adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population." NHS trusts across England, including Moorfields Eye Hospital and Barts Health, have advised people attending appointments to bring water and check travel.
The London Fire Brigade has warned against disposable barbecues in parks due to fire risk. The Cabinet Office held an official-level COBR meeting on Tuesday morning. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan triggered a "high" air pollution alert for Wednesday. The Army has cancelled ceremonial operations in London and Windsor to protect soldiers' wellbeing. Natural Resources Wales released extra water into the River Dee to reduce fish deaths.
