UK heatwave latest: Rare red extreme heat warning to come into force today | News UK

Hundreds of schools will fully or partially close over the next few days because of the extreme heat, with temperatures set to hit record highs.

A ‘heat-dome’ settling over western Europe could bring temperatures of nearly 40C by Wednesday, with this latest heatwave expected to surpass the record for June of 35.6C set in Hampshire in 1976.

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 from 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Thursday.

The temperature could come close to the UK’s all-time high of 40.3C which was measured in July 2022.

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.