Record Heatwave Forces School Closures as UK Braces for 40C Temperatures

(Heatwave. Photo by Tribune Online)

Multiple schools across England began shutting early on Tuesday and were set to remain closed for two more days as a record-breaking heatwave swept across the United Kingdom and spread further into Europe.

The UK's Meteorological Office issued an extremely rare red heat warning only issued once before covering Wednesday and Thursday, as temperatures were forecast to soar to 40°C, an unprecedented figure for the time of year.

The warning extends to parts of central and southern England, including London and Birmingham.

The Met Office also forecast that the June temperature record of 35.6°C, set in 1976, could be broken on Tuesday, with the mercury expected to rise to 37°C in southern England.

Met Office chief scientist Stephen Belcher described the situation as sobering, warning that human-induced climate change had made such events more likely and more intense a position echoed by scientists around the world.

Climate experts have also repeatedly cautioned the government that the UK is not adequately prepared for warmer summers.

Among the schools responding to the crisis, one in southeastern Buckinghamshire announced it would close on Wednesday and Thursday, citing an inability to adequately cool most of its buildings and a lack of shade outdoors.

Network Rail, which manages most of the UK's railway infrastructure, urged passengers to travel only if absolutely necessary on those days, while the rail line connecting the northeast to London issued a "do not travel" advisory.

The Met Office further warned that high overnight temperatures could bring what it described as "tropical nights" across parts of England and Wales.

Deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway said severe and significant impacts from the heatwave were expected, with health consequences likely for many people, including those not normally considered vulnerable to heat.