Multiple schools across England began shutting down early on Tuesday, with more closures expected to follow as a severe heatwave grips the United Kingdom and threatens to break long-standing temperature records.
The disruption comes as the country braces for what the UK Met Office has described as an “extremely rare” red heat warning—only the second time such an alert has ever been issued. The warning covers Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 40°C in parts of England.
The alert applies to central and southern regions, including major cities such as London and Birmingham, as the heatwave intensifies across Europe.
Forecasters also warned that the UK’s June temperature record of 35.6°C, set in 1976, could be broken as early as Tuesday, with southern England expected to hit around 37°C.
“To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering,” said Met Office chief scientist Stephen Belcher, noting that climate change has increased both the likelihood and severity of such extreme weather events.
“Human-induced climate change has made events like this more likely and more intense,” he added, echoing long-standing warnings from climate scientists about rising global temperatures.
Education authorities reported that dozens of schools had already moved to early closures on Tuesday, while others confirmed they would remain shut through midweek due to unsafe classroom conditions.
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One school in southeastern Buckinghamshire said it was closing on Wednesday and Thursday because “most of our buildings cannot be cooled adequately and there is little shade outside.”
Transport networks are also under pressure. Network Rail advised passengers to “only travel if absolutely necessary,” while a key rail corridor linking the northeast to London issued a “do not travel” warning amid fears of rail buckling and service disruption.
The Met Office further warned of unusually warm nights, with “tropical nights” expected in parts of England and Wales, meaning temperatures may not fall enough to provide relief after sunset.
“We’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable,” said deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway.
Authorities say contingency plans are in place, but officials continue to urge the public to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary travel, and take precautions as the country endures one of its most intense summer heat events on record.