At least 13 schools across England and Wales have confirmed they will close early on Thursday, as the third heatwave of the summer hits the UK. Following a record-breaking end to June that saw thousands of schools shut, institutions in Powys, Swansea, Swindon, Shropshire, London, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, and Bracknell are sending pupils home at lunchtime.
Schools Affected and Reasons for Closure
The Dorcan Academy in Swindon announced it has cancelled all detentions for the rest of the week after monitoring weather forecasts and guidance from the UK Health Security Agency. Meanwhile, Chawson Community First School in Droitwich, Worcestershire, is closing entirely due to extreme heat inside the building.
Met Office Forecast and Expert Comment
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: “Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across southeast England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather.”
He added: “High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards. This means that an easterly wind will become established in the south, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the southwest. As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks will begin to cool. It will however, remain very warm – especially in the southwest – and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places.”
Continued Warm Weather Expected
The Met Office outlook indicates continued fine, dry, and very warm weather for many parts of the UK into next week, although there is a chance of thunderstorms spreading into parts of the south and southwest. Parents and schools are advised to stay updated on local forecasts and plan accordingly.
