Extreme heat forces school closures across Britain

INDEPENDENT - Hundreds of schools across Britain have been forced to close or send pupils home early as the country braces for a rare red extreme heat warning, with temperatures expected to soar to a record 40°C. 

Authorities have also issued rail travel alerts and imposed hosepipe bans in several regions as a severe heatwave grips parts of England and Wales.

Meanwhile, Network Rail has advised passengers to only travel if “absolutely necessary” ahead of a rare red weather warning for extreme heat coming into force at 9am. The Met Office alert stretches from London across to Somerset and Swansea, and up towards Birmingham, until 9pm on Thursday. 

A “heat-dome” settling over western Europe could bring extreme high temperatures in some parts of England and Wales, the forecaster said. Rail companies will run fewer trains and more slowly to keep services safe in the midst of the scorching temperatures. In response to the weather, the government said it held a COBR meeting on Tuesday morning. 

Hosepipe bans have been enforced in Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire as South East Water manages increased demand due to the heatwave. 

The heat has also forced hundreds of schools to send children home early, while children at some schools have been told they can wear a PE kit rather than a full school uniform.