Dozens of UK schools have been forced to close and transport authorities have advised against all but essential journeys as rare red warnings for extreme heat, with temperatures potentially reaching 40C, take effect. A heat dome settling over western Europe could shatter June records, according to the Met Office.
Red Warning and Health Risks
The red weather warning covers a stretch from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, in effect from 9am Wednesday to 9pm Thursday. The Met Office warns of severe and significant impacts, including widespread health risks even for those not typically vulnerable, with potential loss of life. An amber heat health alert has also been issued for the North East by the UK Health Security Agency, from June 24 at 1am to June 25 at 11pm, indicating significant impacts on health and social care services.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: “Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat. The last time the UK recorded temperatures this high was in July 2022, but on this occasion the heat is expected to be accompanied by high humidity. As well as very high daytime temperatures, there will be consecutive nights where temperatures do not drop below 20°C, which is called a Tropical Night. This will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating the heat stress impacts.”
School Closures
Numerous schools across England and Wales have announced closures or early finishes to protect pupils. The Buckingham School in Buckinghamshire will shut on Wednesday and Thursday, with students shifting to remote learning. In a statement, the school said: “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.”
Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, noted: “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.”
Travel Disruption and Safety Advice
Network Rail urged passengers to “only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday” within the red warning zone. 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.”
The AA warned that motorists might encounter gritters on certain routes as road surfaces could soften or become tacky under extreme heat, with congested traffic potentially causing rutting.
The RNLI also issued a warning for those heading to the coast to cool down. Samantha Hughes, National Water Safety Partner, said: “With warmer weather approaching, it’s important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic. If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing. Where possible, always choose a lifeguarded beach, and swim between the red and yellow flags. In a coastal emergency remember to call 999 for the coastguard.”
Thunderstorms and Power Cuts
Separately, the Met Office reported severe thunderstorms in the West Country on Monday evening, with temperatures dropping by four to five degrees. Hundreds of properties in Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Bristol experienced brief power cuts, according to National Grid. Bristol Airport was forced to shut due to a fault with Air Traffic Control systems, with travellers urged to contact their airlines.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service said a lightning strike was thought to have caused a house fire in Emersons Green, Bristol, on Monday evening. Crews were called at 5.55pm and the fire was under control by 10pm. No injuries were reported from the fire, but one person was injured near the scene and passed to ambulance crews.
