A number of schools across the UK have confirmed closures from today as temperatures soar into the high 30s.
The Met Office has issued red weather warning for the heatwave as it looks likely high temperature records could be broken. Thunderstorms have also broken out in several regions today.
Official Department for Education guidance advises against closing schools and states that “schools could consider relaxing uniform rules during hot weather to make sure pupils are comfortable”.
The red weather warning comes into force on Wednesday and says temperatures could rise as high as 40C. The current temperature record is 40.3C in the UK, which was recorded in July 2022.
New UpdatesView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostToday07:19 BST
National Grid warn that the extreme heat is likely to cause power cuts.
A spokesperson said: “High temperatures are forecast across our regions this week.
“Our teams are ready around the clock, and if your power goes off, we will work to get it back on as safely and as quickly as we can.”
The Met Office have urged Brits to be ready for any power loss, by preparing kits with essential items, and making sure vulnerable people who live nearby are looked after.
Olivia BeesonToday07:18 BST
A “heat-dome” settling over western Europe could bring temperatures of up to 40C in some parts of England and Wales in the middle part of the week, the Met Office has said.
Temperatures for the latest heatwave are likely to overtake the June record set in Hampshire in 1976 by several degrees and could come close to the UK’s all-time high of 40.3C which was measured in July 2022.
The hot conditions, which have been very rare in the UK until now, will be accompanied by high humidity and very warm nights, which will make it hard for people to recover overnight, the forecaster warned.
Tim HanlonToday06:59 BST
Would-be train passengers in the West Midlands have been warned that they should only travel if absolutely essential over the coming days.
The warning is in effect from 9am on Wednesday, June 24 until 9pm on Thursday, June 25, covering Birmingham, Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The entire West Midlands region is also subject to a red health warning issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
(Image: Getty)
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.”
Peter Hennessy
Today06:25 BST
So far 86 schools have announced closures ahead of the socrching heat.
Some schools across England and Wales will close or finish early to protect pupils amid the extreme heat.
Schools in the South West, South East, London and Buckinghamshire are among those to announce that they won’t be open. However, some schools will still be expecting children to attend lessons, just virtually.
- Sydenham School, London
- Cranbourne School, Basingstoke
- Eggar’s School, Alton
- Grateley Primary School, Grateley
- Swanmore College, Swanmore
- Creswood Community School, Eastleigh
- Harrow Way Community School, Andover
- The Bulmershe School, Reading
- Cheam High School, Surrey
- The Hurst School, Tadley
- Reading School, Reading
- King’s Academy Prospect, Reading
- St. Crispins, Wokingham
- The Willows Primary School, Newbury
- Churchend Primary School, Reading
- Ditton Park Academy, Slough
- Silverwood School, Wiltshire
- Wren Academy, Enfield
- Kingdown School, Warminster
- Clarendon Academy, Trowbridge
- Pewsey Vale School, Pewsey
- Dilton Marsh Primary, Westbury
- Kingsholm Primary, Gloucester
- St Michael’s School, Larkhill
- Isebrook School, Kettering
- Woodland Middle School Academy, Flitwick (only for year 7 and 8)
- The Dorcan Academy, Swindon
- St John’s Marlborough School, Marlborough
- Malmesbury School, Wiltshire
- Finlay Community School, Gloucester
- Archway School, Stroud
- New Close School, Warminster
- St Michael’s Academy, Somerset
- Piggot C of E School, Wargrave
- Radstock Primary School, Earley
- Maiden Erlegh School, Reading
- Willow Bank Infant School, Woodley
- South Lake Primary School, Woodley
- River Academy, Reading
- Katesgrove Primary School, Reading
- Beechwood Primary School, Woodley
- Gerrards Cross CofE School
- Hughenden Primary School
- Princes Risborough Primary School
- Ley Hill School
- Farnham Common Infant School
- Chalfonts Community College
- Denham Village School
- Haydon Abbey School and Pre-School
- Dropmore Infant School
- Kingsbrook View Academy
- Iver Heath Junior School
- Misbourne School
- The Iver Heath Infant School and Nursery
- Farnham Common Junior School
- Overstone Combined School
- Marsworth Church of England Infant School
- Brookmead School Bourton
- Meadow Academy
- The Steeple Claydon School
- Buckinghamshire Primary Pupil Referral Unit
- Bierton Church of England Combined School
- Turnfurlong Infant School
- Great Kingshill Church of England Combined School
- Great Kimble Church of England School
- Aylesbury Vale Academy
- Weston Turville Church of England School
- Disraeli School and Children’s Centre
- Iver Village Junior School
- St Mary’s Farnham Royal CofE Primary School
- Green Ridge Primary Academy
- Orchard View Primary Academy
- Ivingswood Academy
- Chepping View Primary Academy
- Kite Ridge School
- Chalfont Valley E-ACT Primary Academy
- Waddesdon Village Primary School
- Wooburn Green Primary School
- Quainton Church of England School
- Oakridge School
- Denham Green E-Act Primary Academy
- Waterside Primary Academy
- Waddesdon Church of England School
- Filton Avenue Nursery School
- Fairfield High School
- Elmfield School For Deaf Children
Olivia BeesonToday06:10 BST
A red heat health alert has been issued across the Midlands and southern England until June 25.
It is the highest level of alert and indicates a risk to everyone’s health, not just vulnerable groups.
Northern England is also under an Amber alert.
Map showing health alerts across the UK(Image: UKHSA)
- Schools across the country have announced they will be either fully or partially closed on Tuesday, as a result of the red-hot weather – including 42 in Buckinghamshire
- In London, there is disruption on the Elizabeth Line this morning with flooding reported at Balham and Ruislip Station
- Bristol Airport was closed on Monday night after flash thunderstorms, with hundreds of passengers instead diverted to Gatwick – the storms caused a fault in the air traffic control systems in place at the airport.
- Power cuts are likely in 71 areas across the UK today as extreme weather is forecast
Peter Hennessy
Today06:03 BST
The Met Office forecast suggests that showers are likely to clear shortly ahead of an extremely humid day.
The forecast says: “Any remaining showers will soon be clearing eastwards into the North Sea, leaving a very hot and humid day across England and Wales with strong sunshine.
“Hot across parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland with light winds and slightly cloudier skies.”
Olivia BeesonToday06:01 BST
The Met Office has warned passengers using p[ublic transport to prepare for warm conditions.
A spokesperson says: “If using public transport, there are many simple things you can do to keep yourself safe; carry water with you, take a small hand-held battery powered fan, if you feel unwell get off at next stop for some fresh air, dress in light fabrics in light colours to help stay cooler, keep an eye on fellow passengers for signs they may be struggling.”
(Image: James Manning/PA Wire)
More schools have announced they will be closed due to the red heat alert. Some schools will close at lunch time ahead of the warmer temperatures.
Buckinghamshire council have announced that 42 schools will either be partially of fully closed due to the heatwave. You can find out if your child’s school is shut via your local council website.
Olivia Beeson
Today05:33 BST
Today, Tuesday 23 June, London Overground will be operating a reduced frequency service on the Mildmay line (between Richmond / Clapham Junction and Stratford). The level of service will be approximately 50 per cent less than normal.
Avanti West Coast are planning to run fewer trains on some routes from Tuesday 23 to Thursday 25 June and there’s a risk of further disruption on the rail network.
South Western Railway will run an amended timetable on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. During this time, fewer trains will be running across the network. Trains that run are expected to be busier and journey times will likely be longer than usual.
Olivia BeesonToday05:09 BST
One X user said he had not seen rain and lightning as intense in London for quite some time.
The post read: “This storm is something else. I had a job down at Ruislip earlier and this rain and [lightning] is insane.”
“I’ve not seen anything like this in years in London.
“I’ve not seen flash flooding this bad in Ruislip in quite a few years.”
Tannur AndersToday05:00 BST
Parts of the UK are in store for extreme heat on Tuesday, June 23.
The Met Office has issued an “amber” level warning.
As it stands, the forecaster has issued “red” level warnings for heat on Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25.
The Met Office has issued an “amber” level warning(Image: Met Office)
Today04:50 BST
The Met Office has told UK residents to keep themselves safe by following these simple steps to reduce the likelihood of the heat making them feel unwell:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Keep out of the sun
- Avoid any exercise between 11am-3pm when the sun is strongest
- Close curtains in rooms that face the sun
Additionally, if they are going out, residents should take water with them, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat.
Tannur AndersToday03:53 BST
Hundreds of homes in Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Bristol were briefly without power due to the weather, according to the National Grid, while Bristol Airport was forced to close because of “a fault with Air Traffic Control systems”, with passengers advised to contact their airlines.
Currently at least 77 homes remain without power according to the National Grid.
Olivia BeesonToday02:23 BST
Transport for London (TfL) have also warned customers of possible disruption to rail and tube services, adding that extreme temperatures on board services may lead 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 – with rail temperatures likely to lead to temporary speed restrictions and therefore reduced services in some cases.
“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.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Today00:46 BST
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has 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 indicates “a risk to life for even the healthy population” as well as impacts beyond health and social care, with potential effects on transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses.
Olivia BeesonToday00:06 BST
Schools have announced they will move to online learning during the heatwave.
The Buckingham School in Buckinghamshire said it will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, and asked students to take part in online learning.
In a statement on its website on Monday, 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 (Wednesday and Thursday).
“All trips and other scheduled activities are also cancelled.”
The school, which has around 1,200 students until sixth form, said teachers will upload work online for pupils to complete.
Olivia Beeson22nd Jun23:57 BST
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has provided its members with guidance ahead of the scorching temperatures.
Paul Whiteman, the organisation’s 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.”
Olivia Beeson
22nd Jun22:46 BST
Dorset Council says it is working with partners Alongside – formerly Julian House – and the Lantern Trust to help those sleeping rough during the hot weather.
The council has urged those in need, or those who know anyone in need, to raise any concerns with its Housing Team, or to make a homeless application, by calling 01305 221000.
You can also alert the outreach team at Alongside to someone sleeping rough here.
The Lantern Trust can be contacted on 01305 787940.
Zahra Khaliq22nd Jun22:18 BST
Brutal 40C temperatures have forced some schools to announce closures.
Many schools have already said they will be relaxing uniform rules for children facing stifling conditions.
A number of schools across Oxfordshire and Hampshire now say they’ll close, with headteachers citing concerns over the safety and the comfort of pupils and staff.
You can check school closures on the Gov website here.
Zahra Khaliq22nd Jun21:57 BST
Chiltern Railways has warned people to avoid travelling on its trains during the heatwave.
The railway firm said “significant disruption” to services was expected until Friday due to the extreme heat.
Chiltern’s Commercial & Customer Strategy Director Michael Stewart said trains would be running at “greatly reduced levels to ensure everyone’s safety”.
It means passengers may experience “significant delays and very busy conditions”.
Chiltern Railways has warned of significant disruption(Image: PA)
22nd Jun21:35 BST
Some schools have announced plans to close early as the heatwave looms.
Hampshire County Council has offered schools “general advice” on how to keep buildings and students cool.
But it added that individual schools are responsible for making a decision on whether to close.
Zahra Khaliq22nd Jun21:16 BST
South Western Ambulance Service has urged Brits to stay out of the sun and drink plenty of water when temperatures peak on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
The NHS trust said it was already seeing an increase in activity across the region, having dealt with 9.5% more incidents on Sunday than usually expected for this time of year.
Wayne Darch, director of operations, said: “We are receiving calls that could be managed through self-care, pharmacies, NHS 111 online or other healthcare services.
“Every less urgent 999 call reduces our ability to respond quickly to patients facing life-threatening situations.”
Brits have been urged to keep safe(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
Londoners are bracing for four tropical nights with temperatures staying as high as 31C at 11pm.
A tropical night is defined as when temperatures do not drop below 20C, according to the Met Office.
Tonight marks the last night where temperatures are forecast to stay below the “tropical night” threshold. From Tuesday onwards, Londoners will see sweltering heat every night – even well after sunset.
Zahra Khaliq
22nd Jun20:35 BST
A house in Bristol had been engulfed in flames after being hit by a lightning strike as thunderstorms hit the South West of the UK.
Firefighters can be seen battling the flames with a hose in video footage showing the ferocious blaze.
Laura Hill22nd Jun19:35 BST
The arrivals board at Bristol Airport is showing multiple diversions. So far, it shows:
- U2226 BFS-BRS diverting to LGW – Gatwick Airport
- U22712 PMI-BRS diverting to LGW – Gatwick Airport
- U22768 NCE-BRS diverting to LGW – Gatwick Airport
- U22872 FAO-BRS diverting to BHX – Birmingham Airport
- LS1888 CHQ-BRS diverting to BHX – Birmingham Airport
- U22902 PFO-BRS diverting to LGW – Gatwick Airport
- U22936 PRG-BRS diverting to LTN – Luton Airport
- FR3386 LIG-BRS diverting to CWL – Cardiff Airport
- FR8986 TLS-CWL diverting to CWL – Cardiff Airport
Laura Hill22nd Jun19:33 BST
Planes are currently grounded at Bristol airport as thundertorms hitthe UK
There is disruption at the airport as planes are currently unable to fly, according to travel monitoring service Inrix. Passengers are advised to check before they travel following the update posted at 6.53pm.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning due to last until 9pm tonight as the forecast indicates frequent lighting strikes and heavy rain in the area. Lightning has already been seen this evening over Bristol.
Laura Hill
22nd Jun19:13 BST
British households are being warned to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of heatstroke as a life-threatening alert over extreme heat has been issued.According to the NHS, the following symptoms are a sign that you may be suffering from heatstroke:
- a very high temperature
- hot skin that’s not sweating and might look red
- fast breathing or shortness of breath
- a fast heartbeat
- confusion and restlessness
- lack of coordination
- a seizure or fit
- loss of consciousness
If you, or someone nearby, displays any of these symptoms and remains unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool spot, being cooled down and drinking fluids, you must seek urgent medical assistance and dial 999.
While waiting for help to arrive, the person suffering from heatstroke should be wrapped in a cool, damp sheet, fanned, or sponged down with cold water.
Laura Hill22nd Jun17:56 BST
A yellow thunderstorm wanring is now in place across some England regions as the Met Office has warned of frequent lightning strikes and heavy rain.
The conditions will be in place until 9pm today, with 18 areas affected.
Read the full story and list of regions here.
Rucsandra Moldoveanu22nd Jun16:27 BST
This evening, temperatures will remain warm and stay in the 20s across most of the regions currently affected by the amber warning for extreme heat.
Some thunderstorms might develop over England and Wales, the Met Office said, which may bring frequent lightning and even hail.