Arabic version: إغلاق المدارس مع مواجهة المملكة المتحدة لموجة حر قياسية

Hundreds of schools have planned for at least partial closures this week due to an extreme heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar. The top temperature recorded on Tuesday was 34.6°C in Wisley, Surrey, while Northern Ireland and Scotland saw their hottest days of the year, reaching 28.1°C and 29°C respectively. A red extreme heat warning has been issued across parts of England and Wales until Thursday evening, signaling a danger to life.

According to BBC News, temperatures in southern England could reach as high as 39°C on Wednesday. The Met Office has warned that high humidity levels will make conditions feel even hotter, with potential heat index readings approaching 41°C. The risk of serious illness is heightened, affecting not only vulnerable populations but also healthy individuals.

More than 300 schools across England and Wales are planning to be either partially or fully closed this week to protect children from the extreme heat. Some schools will allow students to wear PE kits instead of uniforms to help them stay cool. The Department for Education typically does not advise school closures but provides guidance on managing high temperatures.

Travel disruptions are also anticipated due to the heat. The UK’s largest train operator, GTR, will suspend the Gatwick Express and implement safety speed restrictions on several lines. Other operators, such as Avanti West Coast and Chiltern Railways, will run fewer services during this period. Passengers are advised to carry water and avoid non-essential travel.

The heatwave follows thunderstorms that caused flash flooding and travel disruptions earlier in the week, with emergency services responding to numerous incidents related to lightning strikes. The current heatwave is attributed to a “heat dome” that traps warm air, with climate change contributing to the frequency and intensity of such events.