Schools across England are beginning to close early as a 38C heatwave is set to hit from Monday, with parents told they can relax uniform rules for their children. A new red warning joins the existing Amber Extreme Heat Warnings.
The alerts stretch from Monday through to the end of Thursday, covering much of southern and central England as well as much of Wales.
Met Office Issues Red Warning for Extreme Heat
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."
Wren Academy in Enfield Closes Early
Wren Academy, in Enfield, has confirmed it will close early for three days this week as a "temporary adjustment". On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, the school is set to shut after 1.50pm, following challenges in "maintaining a safe learning environment during high temperatures".
In an email to parents, it said that "shortening the school day will reduce prolonged exposure to heat, particularly during the hottest part of the afternoon". It added: "Due to the forecast of exceptionally high temperatures of 35C and above on Tuesday 23 June, Wednesday 24 June and Thursday 25 June, we have taken the decision to implement a temporary adjustment to the school day in order to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our students and staff. On these dates, the school day will finish early at 1.50pm. Students will be dismissed at this time and should make their usual travel arrangements to return home safely."
Falkland Primary School in Newbury Relaxes Uniform Rules
Falkland Primary School in Newbury, meanwhile, has announced that pupils will be allowed to attend classes in their PE kits. The school added that they are awaiting advice from West Berkshire council regarding any potential early closures.
