A number of schools in England and Wales are set to close early on Friday as the UK’s third heatwave of the year could see temperatures hit 36C
A number of schools are set to close early on Friday as the UK swelters in its third heatwave of the year.
The heat is expected to peak on Friday when temperatures will “widely exceed 30C” across the UK, with some areas in southern England potentially hitting 36C, according to the Met Office.
Amber heat-health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the Midlands and southern England from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Sunday.
During the heatwave in June – when temperatures reached 37.7C at Lingwood in Norfolk – more than 500 schools in England and more than 500 in Wales either closed or shut early.
Although temperatures are not expected to reach the record-breaking levels seen in June, and conditions are expected to be less humid, a number of schools in England and a handful in Wales have said they will close early on Friday. Many of these schools also closed early on Thursday.
These are:
Berkshire:
- Jenett’s Park CE Primary School, Bracknell
Herefordshire
London:
- Stormont House School, Hackney
Powys:
- Berriew CP School
- Buttington/Trewern C.P. School
- Llanfechain C. in W. School
Shropshire:
- Haberdashers’ Abraham Derby – closed all day for pupils in year seven to year nine
- The Bridge School
Staffordshire:
- Hednesford Valley High School
Swansea:
Swindon:
Worcestershire:
- The Beacon Primary PRU
- Chawson Community First School – closed all day
- Holyoakes Field First School
- The Bewdley School
Wyre
Redditch
- Holyoakes Field First School
- The Beacon Primary PRU
On Thursday, temperatures reached 34.4C in Wisley, Surrey, the Met Office said, adding that it is the eighth day this year that temperatures had exceeded 34C. This sets a new record for the most days of 34C or above in a calendar year. The previous record was seven days, set in 1976 and equalled in 2020.
Amid the hot, dry weather, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) warned on Wednesday of an increased risk of wildfires and advised people to avoid using disposable barbecues in the countryside, parks and moorlands.
Dave Swallow, the NFCC’s wildfire deputy lead and lead tactical adviser, said: “Hot, dry weather can significantly increase wildfire risk, but most wildfires start because something provides the spark.
“Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them.
“Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water.
“As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.”
