UK Schools To Close Early Over Record Heatwave

Several schools across England  were closing  early on Tuesday, with many set to remain shut for the next two days as an intense record heatwave threatens to push temperatures to unprecedented levels across the United Kingdom.

The UK’s Met Office has issued a rare red “extreme heat” warning for Wednesday and Thursday, only the second such alert ever issued, as temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 40°C in parts of the country.

The warning covered  large areas of central and southern England, including London and Birmingham, the country’s two largest cities.

Meteorologists also warned that the UK’s longstanding June temperature record of 35.6°C, set in 1976, could be surpassed, with temperatures expected to climb to 37°C in southern England on Tuesday.

Describing the situation as alarming, Met Office Chief Scientist Stephen Belcher said the forecast temperatures were highly unusual for June.

“To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering,” Belcher said.

He attributed the increasing frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events to climate change.

“Human-induced climate change has made events like this more likely and more intense,” he added.

The heatwave has disrupted daily life across the country, prompting dozens of schools to alter schedules or close temporarily.

One school in Buckinghamshire, southeast England, announced it would remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday, citing concerns that its facilities could not safely accommodate students in the extreme conditions.

“Most of our buildings cannot be cooled adequately and there is little shade outside,” the school said in a statement.

Transport services are also expected to face significant disruptions. Network Rail, which manages most of Britain’s railway infrastructure, advised passengers to travel only if absolutely necessary during the peak of the heatwave.

Meanwhile, the rail operator serving routes between northeast England and London issued a “do not travel” warning, citing concerns over the impact of extreme temperatures on rail infrastructure.

The Met Office further warned that parts of England and Wales could experience “tropical nights,” with temperatures remaining unusually high overnight and offering little relief from the daytime heat.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway cautioned that the heatwave could pose serious health risks.

“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,” Sidaway said.

Climate experts have repeatedly warned that the UK remains ill-prepared for increasingly hot summers, urging authorities to strengthen adaptation measures as extreme weather events become more common.