UK Schools Close Early as Record Heatwave Approaches

The United Kingdom is preparing for a severe heatwave, with the meteorological office issuing an extremely rare red warning for "extreme heat" on Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures could soar to 40°C (104°F), a level unprecedented for the UK in June. This warning covers large parts of central and southern England, including major cities like London and Birmingham.

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To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering.

The Met Office also forecasts that the June temperature record of 35.6°C, set in 1976, could be broken as early as Tuesday, with southern England expecting highs of 37°C. Met Office chief scientist Stephen Belcher described the expected temperatures as "sobering" and reiterated that human-induced climate change is making such events more likely and intense.

In response to the extreme conditions, numerous schools across England have announced early closures on Tuesday and plan to remain shut for the following two days. One school in Buckinghamshire cited inadequate cooling and lack of shade as reasons for closing. Network Rail has urged passengers to travel only if absolutely necessary, and one major railway line has issued a "do not travel" advisory.

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Human-induced climate change has made events like this more likely and more intense.

Forecasters warn of "tropical nights" with high overnight temperatures in parts of England and Wales. Met Office deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway cautioned that the heatwave is expected to have "severe and significant impacts on health," affecting many individuals beyond those usually considered vulnerable to heat.

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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.