Britain is bracing for a day of travel chaos and school closures as record-breaking temperatures of 40C are expected on Wednesday.
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.
Read MoreTwo young children found dead in family car as 40C heatwave sweeps across France
UK heatwave mapped: Where is going to be hottest this week as temperatures could hit 40C
Will schools close as temperatures hit 38C in the June heatwave?
What is a heat dome? How Europe’s scorching temperatures are driving the UK heatwave
Key Points
- Schools forced to close as Britain braces for hottest June day
- 40C in June must be wake-up call on climate crisis, scientists warn
- Where is the red heat health alert?
- 'London is cooking', UN chief warns
- Mayor issues air pollution alert in addition to extreme heat
Watch: Met Office issues red weather warning in parts of England and Wales
05:00 , Rebecca WhittakerParents facing impossible as thousands of babies living in overheated homes
05:00 , Namita SinghAlmost 1.6 million children, including more than 70,000 babies, are living in overheated homes in England, according to campaigners, who have called for “urgent action” to ensure housing can be kept at safe temperatures.
The National Housing Federation (NHF) warned that with warmer weather becoming more frequent, it is becoming “impossible” for parents to ensure their homes are comfortable.
The Climate Change Committee has previously suggested that hotter temperatures could result in 92 per cent of existing homes overheating, with a prediction that by the middle of the century, the UK’s climate “will be much more extreme than today”.
Charities and campaigners have been warning this week of the dangers to vulnerable people, including the elderly and young children, of extreme heat, with people urged to take precautions where they can as temperatures rise into the high 30s.
But Kate Henderson, chief executive of the NHF, said it is “now clear that increasingly extreme heatwaves are making it impossible for parents, whatever they do, to make their homes completely safe and comfortable” indicating that steps such as drawing the curtains to keep homes cool are no longer enough.
Some 1.59 million children live in homes that get uncomfortably hot, according to NHF and Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) analysis of the 2023 English Housing Survey.
Of these, 70,690 are under the age of one.
Starmer’s replacement as prime minister must slash energy bills, SNP says
04:33 , Namita SinghSir Keir Starmer’s successor must immediately slash energy bills, the SNP has said.
The party made the call as consumers face a 13 per cent rise in energy bills from the start of July – with the average yearly bill climbing to £1,862.SNP Westminster Dave Doogan warned Labour against failing to keep its manifesto pledge to reduce energy bills by £300 by 2030.
Following the Prime Minister’s resignation, and the strong possibility that he will be replaced by Andy Burnham, research from the House of Commons Library on energy prices, commissioned by the SNP, has been published.
It shows the looming price rise will be the sixth increase in energy bills since Labour returned to government in 2024, increasing by £294 in that time.
The SNP said the analysis showed energy had “soared” under successive UK governments.
According to the Commons Library, households at the turn of the century spent an average of £11.44 a week on electricity at today’s prices.
Full list of schools closing or shutting early as heatwave scorches
04:00 , Rebecca WhittakerHundreds of schools in England and Wales are being forced to send children home this week as the UK braces for extreme temperatures.
With the mercury set to reach close to 40C – and a rare red warning for extreme heat coming into force on Wednesday – teachers have expressed concern for their students’ safety during the heatwave.
While there is no maximum temperature limit for classrooms, schools can decide if they want to close early.
Read more here:
Full list of schools closing or shutting early during heatwave
Where bin collection rules are changing due to UK heatwave
03:00 , Rebecca WhittakerCouncils across the country have made changes to their bin collection rules as the heatwave is set to bring record-breaking temperatures to the UK.
Authorities including Cheltenham Borough Council, Somerset Council and Bristol Waste have announced they will be starting rounds from as early as 4am so refuse workers can avoid the extreme weather.
Where bin collection rules are changing due to UK heatwave
Recap: Today's temperature didn't beat 1976 records
02:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe highest temperature recorded in the UK on Tuesday was 34.6C in Wisley in Surrey, the Met Office has said.
Tuesday’s maximum temperature does not beat the June record of 35.6C set in Hampshire in 1976 and has not matched the 35.1C recorded on the hottest day of the year so far in Kew Gardens in London on May 26.
Watch: What not to wear to the office during a heatwave
01:00 , Rebecca WhittakerRecap: Weather could peak at 39C on Thursday, Met Office says
Wednesday 24 June 2026 00:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Met Office said temperatures could reach a maximum of 39C on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East, with higher temperatures “possible”.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge, said: “The Met Office is flagging 39C as a headline maximum temperature on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East.
“Forecast temperature values are indicative and are subject to a slight range either side.
“It is possible we could see temperatures higher than the 39C if the final values are at the upper end of our narrow range.
“It is important to remember that the temperature value is only one element of this extreme heatwave story.
“The other major factor is the high humidity which for many will make the intense heat even harder to endure.”
Mapped: Is there a hosepipe ban in my area and what restrictions are in place?
Tuesday 23 June 2026 23:30 , Rebecca WhittakerA UK water company has put a hosepipe ban in place as temperatures begin to spike, with households across the country advised to limit their use.
Read more here:
Mapped: Is there a hosepipe ban in my area and what restrictions are in place?
When will the UK heatwave end? Met Office issues forecast for 15C drop in temperature
Tuesday 23 June 2026 22:45 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Met Office has revealed when the heatwave is likely to end, bringing some relief as the UK braces for extreme heat later this week.
When will the UK heatwave end? Met Office issues forecast for 15C drop in temperature
Extreme heat cancels climate change event on adapting to extreme heat
Tuesday 23 June 2026 21:45 , Rebecca WhittakerExtreme heat in London has led to the cancellation of a climate event on the topic of extreme heat.
The event, which was set to take place on Wednesday at the Shaw Library at the London School of Economics as part of Climate Action Week was cancelled after the Met Office issued a red weather warning for Greater London.
Read more here by Maira Butt:
Extreme heat cancels climate change event on adapting to extreme heat
Supermarket sales of ice cream and beer soar in heatwave
Tuesday 23 June 2026 21:15 , Rebecca WhittakerSupermarkets are preparing for sales of ice, barbecue meat and beer to soar as the UK experiences extreme heat.
Tesco is predicting a 60% increase in sales of ice, a 48% increase in sales of ice cream and ice lollies, and a 44% spike in sales of barbecue meat.
A Tesco spokesman said: “With temperatures soaring across the country this week, combined with people watching the football, we’re forecasting a large increase in sales of ice cream and lollies, ice and barbecue meat.
“Encouragingly, we are also expecting an over 72% increase in sales of sun cream this week compared to last week as Brits look to protect their skin from the sun.”
Aldi, which has re-stocked its shelves with its previously sold-out collapsible pet pool and freezable chew toys, is also predicting it will sell one million burgers this week – a 50% jump on last week.
It is also preparing for a 30% surge in beer sales and to sell more than 500,000 bottles of its Lacura Sun Cream – an 80% week-on-week increase.
Mediterranean-style 'fire weather' could create ‘capacity issue’ for forest keepers
Tuesday 23 June 2026 21:00 , Rebecca WhittakerMediterranean-style “fire weather” will push the guardians of some of England’s largest forests to their limits if blazes break out, a senior adviser has warned.
Rob Gazzard, who advises the Forestry Commission on wildfires, said “extreme scenarios are going to be very challenging” to deal with for the organisation.
He said around 97%-99% of wildfires were “roughly under a hectare”, contained by firefighters, a lack of fuel and weather conditions.
But some fires are larger, such as the Fylingdales Moor and Langdale blaze last year.
At its peak, the conflagration affected 25 square kilometres – almost 10 square miles – of moorland and forestry in North Yorkshire.
“If we had multiple ones of those, it becomes a capacity issue,” Mr Gazzard said.
“Finally, we have these extreme wildfire scenarios, July 19 2022, Mediterranean weather – the same fire weather as Spain and Portugal, which we’re going to be experiencing this week.
“And those extreme scenarios are going to be very challenging to us.
“In essence, it might challenge our capabilities and our capacity.”
Expert reveals how to avoid dehydration in a heatwave – and the surprising advice around food and alcohol
Tuesday 23 June 2026 20:45 , Rebecca WhittakerHeading to the pub to watch England for the hottest June day on record? A professor tells Harry Bullmore what to order at the bar to avoid dehydration while still enjoying yourself, and what to know about the ‘eight glasses’ of water a day myth.
Read more here:
Expert reveals how to avoid dehydration – and his surprising advice around alcohol
Government held a COBR meeting in response to heatwave
Tuesday 23 June 2026 20:33 , Rebecca WhittakerA COBR meeting was held on Tuesday morning in response to the heatwave engulfing the UK, the Government said.
A red weather warning for extreme heat covering an area stretching from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham was issued by the Met Office and will come into effect from 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Thursday.
“We are working across Government and with devolved and local partners to respond to the severe heatwave,” a Government spokesperson said.
“As part of this response, the Cabinet Office held an official level COBR meeting on Tuesday morning, and will continue to closely monitor the situation.
“As well as being uncomfortable, the red weather alerts indicate that the heat poses a risk to life.
“We encourage people to pay close attention to guidance issued by the UK Health Security Agency, other public health bodies, and organisations such as transport operators.”
Today's temperature didn't beat 1976 records
Tuesday 23 June 2026 20:17 , Rebecca WhittakerThe highest temperature recorded in the UK on Tuesday was 34.6C in Wisley in Surrey, the Met Office has said.
Tuesday’s maximum temperature does not beat the June record of 35.6C set in Hampshire in 1976 and has not matched the 35.1C recorded on the hottest day of the year so far in Kew Gardens in London on May 26.
Watch: How does 2026 heatwave compare to record-breaking summer of 1976?
Tuesday 23 June 2026 20:15 , Rebecca WhittakerSales of electric fans soar as temperature rises
Tuesday 23 June 2026 19:45 , Dan HaygarthCurrys said it had seen an almost 1,500 per cent increase in customers searching for fans on its website compared with last weekend, and a 3,500 per cent increase in searches for air conditioning products over the same period.
A Currys spokesperson said: “We’ve seen huge demand for fans and air conditioning units ahead of this week’s heatwave, with sales of fans up nearly 3,000 per cent compared with last week, while air conditioning sales were up by 330 per cent.”
Lakeland said sales of electric fans were up by more than 100 per cent on the previous four weeks, while sales of cool bags for transporting food were up 262 per cent and sales of ice cream makers were up by more than 500 per cent on some lines.
Full story: Trains cancelled as passengers warned to only travel ‘if necessary’ during extreme weather
Tuesday 23 June 2026 19:15 , Dan HaygarthTrain passengers across Britain are facing significant disruption as rail operators implement widespread service cuts in anticipation of extreme hot weather.
The industry is bracing for a range of issues, including sagging overhead electric wires, buckled rails, and lineside fires, all exacerbated by soaring temperatures.
Commuters are being advised to travel earlier in the day where possible and to ensure they carry a water bottle.
Online journey planners are currently unable to display accurate timetables due to the prevalence of short-notice cancellations.
Avanti West Coast has confirmed plans to operate a reduced timetable between Tuesday and Thursday, warning customers of a "risk of further disruption."
Read the full story below:
Trains cancelled as passengers warned to only travel ‘if necessary’
Mayor issues air pollution alert in addition to extreme heat
Tuesday 23 June 2026 19:00 , Rebecca WhittakerMayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has triggered a “high” air pollution alert for the capital London on Wednesday on advice from forecasters at Imperial College, the third one this year.
He urged Londoners to stop their engines idling and avoid burning garden waste, which can contribute to high levels of pollution, and said details have been shared with London’s GPs and emergency departments, to ensure that they have crucial information to help vulnerable patients.
Deputy mayor for environment and energy, Mete Coban said: “Toxic air is responsible for thousands of premature deaths in London each year, which is why the mayor has done everything in his power to tackle it, which includes launching the world’s largest clean air zone.
“We are urging Londoners to look after themselves during this period of extremely hot weather and elevated pollution levels, stop their engines idling, and refrain from burning garden waste – all of which contribute to high levels of pollution.
“It is really important we all do our bit to protect those who are most vulnerable as we continue working to build a safer and greener London for all.”
Watch: Incredible lightning footage from London thunderstorm during June heatwave
Tuesday 23 June 2026 18:45 , Dan HaygarthOvernight temperatures stuck at 20C in parts of Wales
Tuesday 23 June 2026 18:19 , Rebecca WhittakerThe temperature in St Athan, South Glamorgan did not drop below 20.3C overnight on Monday, marking a new record for June in Wales, the Met Office said.
In a post on X on Tuesday afternoon, the forecaster said: “Last night, parts of England and Wales didn’t drop below 20℃.
“In fact, Wales has provisionally recorded a new highest minimum temperature for June of 20.3℃ at St Athan, South Glamorgan.
“Tonight, more areas will remain around 20℃, leading to an uncomfortable night’s sleep.”
Wessex Water tells customers to let their lawns 'go brown' this summer
Tuesday 23 June 2026 18:15 , Dan HaygarthGrass is tougher than it looks. It naturally copes during hot, dry spells and will bounce back quickly when the rain returns.
— Wessex Water (@wessexwater) June 20, 2026
With the warmer weather returning, it's an easy way to save water and it can even help reduce weeds too 👍 pic.twitter.com/B4huYFr7Hg
Weather could peak at 39C on Thursday, Met Office says
Tuesday 23 June 2026 17:45 , Dan HaygarthThe Met Office said temperatures could reach a maximum of 39C on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East, with higher temperatures “possible”.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge, said: “The Met Office is flagging 39C as a headline maximum temperature on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East.
“Forecast temperature values are indicative and are subject to a slight range either side.
“It is possible we could see temperatures higher than the 39C if the final values are at the upper end of our narrow range.
“It is important to remember that the temperature value is only one element of this extreme heatwave story.
“The other major factor is the high humidity which for many will make the intense heat even harder to endure.”
Scotland and Northern Ireland record hottest days of the year
Tuesday 23 June 2026 17:16 , Rebecca WhittakerToday was the hottest day of the year so far for Scotland and Northern Ireland with temperatures hitting 28.8C in Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire, and 26.4C in Katesbridge, County Down.
However, the hottest temperature of the day so far was recorded in England in Wisley, Surrey where temperatures hit 32.6C.
UK's highest June temperature expected to be broken this week
Tuesday 23 June 2026 17:15 , Dan HaygarthThe UK's June maximum temperature record is expected to be broken this week, and the highest minimum temperature record may be broken as well
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 23, 2026
The high temperatures only tell part of the story however, as high humidity will add to how uncomfortable it is both by day and night🌡️ pic.twitter.com/DDw4NUJz1c
Councils make changes to bin collection times during heatwave
Tuesday 23 June 2026 17:04 , Rebecca WhittakerSome councils have made a change to their bin collection times due to the heatwave to make sure bin men won’t be working at the hottest time of the day.
Authorities including Cheltenham Borough Council, Somerset Council and Bristol Waste will start rounds from as early as 4am.
Councillor Steve Harvey, cabinet member for waste, recycling and green open spaces at Cheltenham Borough Council said: "As a result of the hot weather our waste and recycling collections will start earlier than usual in the mornings.
"This is to help our crews and vehicles cope in the heat and ensure that they’re able to complete the scheduled collections. Residents are asked to put their recycling boxes, food caddies, refuse and garden bins out for collection at kerbside by 6am.
“Our crews will do their very best to be as quiet as possible whilst out collecting earlier in the morning.”
Extra water to be released into river protect fish from heatwave
Tuesday 23 June 2026 16:45 , Dan Haygarth
Extra water will be released into a Welsh river over the next few days to help protect fish from the heatwave.
Natural Resources Wales said that from midday on Monday it increased the amount of water discharged from the Llyn Tegid lake into the River Dee by two cubic metres per second – a rise of around 30%.
The agency said this release of extra water will be maintained for between two and three days and is timed to reach beyond Chester Weir when the hottest temperatures hit on Wednesday.
It will more than double the amount of water that would naturally reach this part of the river and will hopefully reduce stress on fish caused by low water levels and reduced oxygen levels linked to high temperatures, Natural Resources Wales said.
Team leader Robert Bissell said: “Prolonged periods of hot weather and low flows can place significant pressure on fish and other wildlife. By using the Special Release Allocation, we are able to respond quickly and provide additional support to the river environment when it is most needed.
“We will continue to monitor conditions closely and take further action where necessary to protect the River Dee and its wildlife.”
Experts warn UK homes are not built to withstand this heat
Tuesday 23 June 2026 16:30 , Rebecca WhittakerBuildings in the UK are not built to withstand the levels of heat caused by this current heatwave, David Dawson, professor in sustainability and resilience at the University of Leeds warned.
He explained that data shows by 2050, 92 per cent of homes could overheat.
In the July 2022 heatwave 2,200 people died, but by the 2050s this figure is expected to rise by thousands.
“Whatever the air temperature is, the ground or infrastructure is maybe 20 to 30 degrees higher than that, so there are design thresholds which will be breached more often,” he said, stressing that more green infrastructure is needed.
Professor Lucelia Rodrigues, expert in sustainability and resilience in buildings at the University of Nottingham explained that keeping windows and shutters closed in the heat of the day will help to keep your home cool.
“You need to keep the extra heat out, therefore you should be keeping windows closed. If you have shutters, use them, blinds and curtains will allow heat in and then trap it like the inside of a car. You can also use cardboard boxes to stop the heat from coming inside,” Prof Rodrigues said.
“It's a bit of a counterintuitive way to do it because most people think it's hot, let me ventilate. What I'm saying is it's hot, do not ventilate,” she added.
Harry Styles fans warned about hot weather before Wembley Stadium show
Tuesday 23 June 2026 16:15 , Dan Haygarth
Harry Styles fans have been warned to stay hydrated and wear loose and breathable clothing to his gig at Wembley Stadium this evening.
The One Direction star will take to the stage amid scorching temperatures in the UK.
It is forecast to be 33C at Wembley at 5pm when the doors to the concert open and fans have been instructed not to arrive too early to avoid waiting outside in the sun.
There will be little relief from the heat during the support set from country star Shania Twain and will still be 31C when Styles takes to the stage at 8.15pm.
Guests have also been told that metal or hard plastic water bottles will be allowed inside the stadium, in a break from usual venue rules.
These can then be filled at one of the free refillable water stations located inside.
Meanwhile, bottled water sold across all bars will have a 50% reduction in price.
A message from the stadium to all guests attending the show also urges them to take regular breaks in shaded areas and to wear sun cream.
Free sun cream will be available from all information points inside the stadium.
Fans are also advised to avoid consuming too much alcohol and instead stay hydrated with water.
Highest recorded temperature for June set to be broken this week
Tuesday 23 June 2026 16:10 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Met Office said it expected the highest recorded temperature for June of 35.6C, set in 1976, to be broken this week.
In a post on social media, it said it also expected the highest minimum temperature for June of 22.7C, which was also set in 1976, to be broken as well.
The forecaster said: “The UK’s June maximum temperature record is expected to be broken this week, and the highest minimum temperature record may be broken as well.
“The high temperatures only tell part of the story however, as high humidity will add to how uncomfortable it is both by day and night.”
High humidity causes more deaths, experts warn
Tuesday 23 June 2026 16:03 , Rebecca WhittakerHigh humidity levels can make heatwaves feel worse and make it harder for people to cope.
Experts have said this current heatwave has higher humidity levels than previous extreme heat, such as in July 2022 which saw a record temperature of 40.3°C.
Normally your body cools itself through evaporation, but when it is humid the air is already saturated with water vapour it cannot absorb the moisture from your skin. This means sweat is unable to evaporate and draw heat away from the body.
“High humidity means that you can cool less readily, which means that the effect of any one temperature is worse. It's as if you were basically at a much higher temperature and the mortality rate goes up,” Hugh Montgomery Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at University College London (UCL) explained.
Rail firms warn against travel unless strictly necessary
Tuesday 23 June 2026 15:45 , Dan Haygarth
Passengers with Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern are being urged to travel only if absolutely necessary on 24 and 25 June, after the Met Office issued a rare red extreme heat warning across large parts of its network.
The operators said:
- Safety speed restrictions mean reduced service with fewer trains on Wednesday and Thursday on Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern
- Gatwick Express suspended from early afternoon Wednesday and Thursday – airport still served by Thameslink and Southern trains
- In line with national travel advice, passengers advised to check before travelling on Tuesday and only travel if absolutely necessary on Wednesday and Thursday
- Trains will be busier and journeys will take longer
- Customers should visit the Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern websites for latest travel advice and ticket information before setting off
- Friday’s travel remains under review
Jenny Saunders, customer service director at Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink, said: “I’m sorry for the disruption this is going to cause but with such extreme temperatures forecast, we have to run fewer trains, more slowly to keep services safe.
“I’d really urge our customers to think about what’s best for them and to travel only if absolutely necessary on Wednesday and Thursday.
“If you do have to catch a train, then consider travelling earlier or later in the day when it is cooler, or delaying your trip to later in the week. Please bring lots of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and have a backup plan in case of disruption.
“And please do check before you travel on one of our websites as the situation could change along with the forecast."
South East Water introduces hosepipe ban in several areas
Tuesday 23 June 2026 15:33 , Dan HaygarthA hosepipe ban has been introduced in Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire as South East Water manages increased demand due to the heatwave.
The areas are at “red alert.
South East Water describes this as: “This means water levels are seriously low. But it’s not too late to prevent restrictions. Please pause your hose use while we do all we can reduce the amount we need to take from local groundwater sources.
“Let’s work together to protect our environment – and help your water last all summer.”
London talk on extreme heat cancelled due to extreme heat
Tuesday 23 June 2026 15:15 , Daniel HaygarthAn event at London Climate Action Week looking at how people around the world are adapting to extreme heat has been cancelled due to extreme heat.
‘Extreme Heat: Improving governance and strengthening action around the world’ was due to take place in the LSE Shaw Library at 9:30am tomorrow but it has been cancelled due to the red extreme heat warning issued by the Met Office.
Heatwave: Older people urged to adjust routines amid 'dangerous time'
Tuesday 23 June 2026 14:47 , Maryam Zakir-HussainExtreme heat represents a “dangerous time for older people” Age UK warned.
Age UK health policy manager Jenny Lippiatt told the Press Association deaths are “not inevitable” because there are things that can be done to reduce risks but that “the highest mortality rates are in the older age group, over 85”.
She said conditions such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion can significantly impact older people and relatives and neighbours should make themselves aware of the symptoms.
She told PA: “Look out for the older people in your lives and make sure they have what they need to stay cool. If you’ve got a spare fan, if they need to run an errand could you maybe do that for them so they don’t have to go out in the extreme heat?
“But I would also say be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and be able to spot those.
“This is a dangerous time for older people, when it is this hot”.
Incredible lightning footage from London thunderstorm during June heatwave
Tuesday 23 June 2026 14:18 , Maryam Zakir-HussainHundreds of schools close during heatwave
Tuesday 23 June 2026 14:05 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe weather is expected to cause major inconvenience to parents as schools shut or close early to protect children from the heat.
Some 100 schools in Somerset will be closed over the next three days, with the vast majority fully closed on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Somerset Council.
Around 100 schools will also be at least partially closed over the next three days in Buckinghamshire, along with 86 schools in Gloucestershire, according to council data.
Children at some schools have been told they can wear PE kit rather than full school uniform, which can involve long trousers and blazers.
Bledlow Ridge School in Buckinghamshire said it was closing as its “classrooms do not have air conditioning, and indoor temperatures are likely to rise significantly above outdoor levels during very hot weather”.
Archway School in Gloucestershire said it could not “safely manage the expected extreme temperatures across the site”, adding that it was “concerned about the risks of travelling to and from school in these conditions”.
How hot will it get in the next few days?
Tuesday 23 June 2026 13:52 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe peak of the heatwave is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures are expected to climb to at least 39°C and there remains a chance of this being exceeded in places.
By Friday conditions will be less hot, with highs of 32°C forecast across eastern areas.
Overnight temperatures will also be very high, with widespread Tropical Nights, where the temperature does not drop below 20°C, across parts of England and Wales, especially in urban areas.
Humidity is also a factor, making this heatwave even more impactful with heat stress a danger to all.
'Risk of failure of railways and bridges in extreme heat'
Tuesday 23 June 2026 13:35 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDr Steve Denton FREng FICE FIStructE, Royal Academy of Engineering vice president and chair of the NEPC Working Group on Ageing Infrastructure, said: “The current heatwaves and storms are a timely reminder that much of our infrastructure is already under strain, and extreme weather is accelerating that pressure. As our recent Ageing Infrastructure report shows, systems designed for past conditions are being pushed beyond their limits.
“Extreme heat can put additional stress on power and water systems and speed up the deterioration and risk of failure of essential infrastructure like railways and bridges.
“Building resilience now, through better maintenance, smarter design and long-term investment is essential to ensure our infrastructure can continue to cope with growing demand and vital services can operate reliably in a changing climate.”
London Euston trains cut amid railway track ‘buckling’ fears during UK heatwave
Tuesday 23 June 2026 13:25 , Maryam Zakir-HussainRail passengers travelling to and from London Euston have been warned of reduced train services as the UK prepares for an extreme heatwave.
From Tuesday to Thursday, a reduced timetable will apply to trains to and from London Euston during the period of intense heat.
“Passengers should expect disruption across the network,” said Network Rail.
Peak temperatures are expected to reach up to 40C in some parts of England and Wales in the coming days, the Met Office has said.
Network Rail told travellers to “only travel if absolutely necessary” on Wednesday and Thursday when the heat is at its most severe and to “expect the station to be extremely busy”.
Woman dies after medical emergency on popular Dorset beach
Tuesday 23 June 2026 13:07 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA woman has died following a medical emergency on a popular beach in Dorset.
Emergency services were called to Southbourne beach on Monday, June 22, at 2.21pm, but the individual was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after their arrival.
Dorset Police confirmed the incident, with a force spokesman stating: "Her next of kin is aware and the coroner has been notified. The death is not being treated as suspicious."
Woman dies after medical emergency on popular Dorset beach
‘It’s 30 degrees and kids are falling asleep’: Inside Britain’s overheated classrooms
Tuesday 23 June 2026 12:50 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDozens of children in temperatures soaring past 30C is no joke, one primary school teacher tells Radhika Sanghani. In crumbling buildings with no air conditioning, where windows and blinds regularly fail, teaching during a heatwave is impossible – and even dangerous:
I work in a junior school in Nottingham that was built in the 1980s. We’ve still got the original windows, but because there’s no money to maintain anything, half of them don’t open. It’s horrendously hot in the classrooms – and there’s nothing we can do about it. The sun’s pouring in through these windows that don’t open properly, and even with a fan and some blinds that we had installed a few years ago, it’s just too hot.
This morning, at 7am, my classroom was 24C. I opened some windows and it went down to 21C which wasn’t too bad. But by lunchtime, as it reached 28C outside – and the room filled up with all the kids - it got to 27C in the room. By the time we got to 3pm, it was 30-31C.
Read more here:
‘30 degrees and kids are falling asleep’: Inside Britain’s overheated classrooms
Hot weather causes travel chaos
Tuesday 23 June 2026 12:40 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe hot weather has caused severe disruption across London’s transport network during Tuesday morning.
On the Elizabeth Line, heavy rain has caused flooding which means there is no service between Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 and Heathrow Terminal 4, Transport for London said.
There are also severe delays on the Mildmay Line, which is running a reduced service because of the hot weather.
On the national rail network, extreme temperatures are also expected to cause sagging overhead electric wires, buckled rails and lineside fires, with passengers urged against non-essential travel and, if a journey is necessary, to make sure they carry a bottle of water.
Avanti West Coast said it plans to run fewer services than usual between Tuesday and Thursday, and “there’s a risk of further disruption”.
Chiltern Railways has axed more than half its services over those three days “to ensure the safe operation of the railway”.
The operator said: “We strongly advise you to avoid travelling if possible.”
The RAC said it is dealing with 10 per cent more breakdowns than usual at this time of year and anticipates demand will “increase significantly as temperatures peak”.
Poll: Should schools close as temperatures hit 38C in the June heatwave?
Tuesday 23 June 2026 12:35 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAs temperatures across the UK are forecast to climb towards 38C next week, concerns are growing about how schools will cope with the extreme heat.
Teachers have warned that overheated classrooms can make it difficult for pupils to concentrate, while some children have reported feeling unwell during previous heatwaves.
Although schools are introducing measures such as relaxed uniform rules, extra water breaks and shaded outdoor areas, there are renewed calls for limits on classroom temperatures and even temporary closures when conditions become too severe.
Some unions have called on the government to set a limit on how hot schools can be before they are closed. In early June, education secretary Bridget Phillipson refused to rule out introducing such measures.
Now we want to know what you think. Should schools be allowed to close during extreme heatwaves to protect pupils and staff, or should they remain open with additional measures in place?
Read more here:
Poll: Should schools close as temperatures hit 38C in the June heatwave?
Temperatures could hit 39C on Thursday, Met Office warns
Tuesday 23 June 2026 12:25 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe Met Office said temperatures could reach a maximum of 39C on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East, with higher temperatures “possible”.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge, said: “The Met Office is flagging 39C as a headline maximum temperature on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East.
“Forecast temperature values are indicative and are subject to a slight range either side.
“It is possible we could see temperatures higher than the 39C if the final values are at the upper end of our narrow range.
“It is important to remember that the temperature value is only one element of this extreme heatwave story.
“The other major factor is the high humidity which for many will make the intense heat even harder to endure.”
