Dozens of schools across England and Wales have announced closures as the Met Office issues rare red weather warnings for extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to reach 38-40°C in some areas. The heatwave, driven by a 'heat-dome' settling over western Europe, is expected to break the June temperature record of 35.6°C set in 1976 and could approach the UK's all-time high of 40.3°C recorded in July 2022.
Red Warning and Health Risks
The Met Office issued a red warning for extreme heat covering an area from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, in effect from 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Thursday. These warnings are reserved for the most severe events, indicating 'severe and significant impacts' including widespread health risks for the general population, not just vulnerable groups, and potential danger to life.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a red health warning for six regions of England – the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and east of England – from 1am on Wednesday until 11pm on Thursday. This warns of 'a risk to life for even the healthy population' and potential impacts on transport, food, water, energy supplies, and businesses.
School Closures Across the Country
Scores of schools have announced closures or early finishes to protect pupils. The Buckingham School in Buckinghamshire, with around 1,200 students, will close on Wednesday and Thursday, stating on its website: 'Because most of our buildings cannot be cooled adequately and there is little shade outside, we have taken the difficult decision to close the school site on both days. All trips and other scheduled activities are also cancelled.' Teachers will upload work online for students.
St John's Marlborough in Wiltshire will close early on Tuesday and remain shut on Wednesday and Thursday, reopening on Friday. The Dorcan Academy in Swindon will finish on-site learning at 11:30am on Tuesday and close Wednesday and Thursday. Schools in Sutton and Haringey in London have also closed from Tuesday to Thursday. Other schools, including Pewsey Vale School, Dilton Marsh Primary, and Malmesbury School in Wiltshire, Ditton Park Academy in Slough, The Bulmershe School in Reading, Cheam High School in Surrey, and Sydenham School in London, will close at lunchtime on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Transport Disruptions and Advice
Network Rail has warned passengers to 'only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday'. Jake Kelly, deputy chief executive of Network Rail, said: 'Extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway, so safety must come first. We're asking passengers to check before travelling on Tuesday, and only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday if they are going to, from or within the red warning zone as temperatures are expected to peak. If you do need to travel, please plan ahead, allow extra time and take necessary precautions, such as carrying water, to stay safe.'
Transport for London (TfL) warned of possible disruptions to rail and Tube services due to rail temperatures leading to temporary speed restrictions and reduced services. Claire Mann, TfL's chief operating officer, said: 'Customers should be aware that, given the very high temperatures that are forecast, we are likely to see some disruption to rail and Tube services. This will vary by line, with some services that share parts of the overground rail network – like the Overground and the Elizabeth line – likely to be more affected.' She added that bus services are expected to run as normal, but customers are encouraged to carry water.
The AA warned that drivers could see gritters on some roads as surfaces may soften or become sticky under the heat, with heavy traffic potentially causing ruts.
Guidance for Schools
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has written to members with guidance on dealing with the heat, including impacts on pupils and staff, legal positions, and when to consider closure. Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said: 'While there is no legal “upper limit” for temperature in schools, [school leaders] will certainly be doing all they can to mitigate the effects of such high temperatures.'
