Heatwave Warning Issued Across England and Wales
The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat affecting parts of England and Wales later this week. Temperatures are expected to rise significantly over the coming days, potentially reaching 40°C in some areas by Wednesday and Thursday.
The warning will be in effect from 09:00 on Wednesday until 21:00 on Thursday, covering central, southern, and south-east England, as well as parts of south Wales.
Will Schools Close if Temperatures Become Too High?
Currently, there is no legal maximum temperature for classrooms, and the government does not typically recommend school closures due to heat. The prevailing guidance is that schools can generally be managed safely during hot weather and that maintaining attendance is important for children's education.
Teaching unions have advised that schools should aim to keep indoor temperatures at or below 26°C. School leaders will monitor temperatures closely and refer to their risk assessments. They will also be attentive to signs of fatigue among pupils, particularly those who are more vulnerable.
If a head teacher considers closing a school, they must first consult with the chair of governors and their academy trust or employer.
Measures Schools Can Take to Mitigate Heat Effects
Some parents may have already received communications from schools relaxing uniform policies, allowing children to wear PE kits instead of standard uniforms.
Schools may adjust start and finish times to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Lessons might be relocated to cooler areas within the school building. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) recommends that children avoid vigorous physical activity during extreme heat, so physical education classes may be less intense than usual.
CO2 monitors can be employed to ensure adequate ventilation. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that windows may need to be closed later in the day if outdoor temperatures exceed indoor temperatures, and fans should not be used if temperatures rise above 35°C.
Teaching unions emphasize that schools will be as creative as possible in implementing measures to keep children and staff comfortable, though this may be more challenging in some facilities. They have called on the government to invest in improving the resilience of school buildings to extreme weather.
How Parents Can Help Children Stay Cool at School
If uniform rules are relaxed, children should wear loose, light-colored clothing and sunhats with wide brims. Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor is recommended, and some schools may ask students to bring their own to reapply during the day.
Schools will encourage children to drink plenty of water, and parents should remind their children at home about the importance of hydration.
Can Parents Keep Children Home Due to Heat?
If the school remains open, the official advice is to send children to school as usual. The government maintains that attendance is essential for pupils to learn effectively and reach their potential.
Are Employees Required to Work During Extreme Heat?
There is no UK law specifying a temperature threshold that prohibits working due to heat or cold. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) mandates that employers comply with health and safety laws, which include maintaining a "comfortable" temperature and providing clean, fresh air.
Workplace advice group Acas states that, except in extreme situations, workers are generally expected to follow their contracts and collaborate with employers to find safe working arrangements.
Acas chief executive Niall Mackenzie says it is usually "a last resort in extreme circumstances" if a workplace must close or if a worker cannot travel or work because of heat. "Any such decision should only be taken where there are no alternative options and should be communicated clearly and in good time," he adds, urging employers to be flexible and consider relaxing rules where possible.
Last month, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) recommended that the UK introduce a maximum workplace temperature to protect workers as heatwaves become more frequent due to climate change.
For context, in cold conditions, the HSE advises that indoor workplaces should generally maintain a minimum temperature of 16°C, or 13°C if the work involves "rigorous physical effort."
Employer Strategies to Maintain Cooler Work Environments
The HSE suggests employers allow flexible working arrangements and relocate staff to cooler areas when possible. Relaxing formal dress codes and providing sufficient breaks for hydration and cooling down are also recommended.
Employers may supply fans or air conditioning, and windows should be opened to promote air circulation where feasible.
For those working from home, it is advised to close curtains to block sunlight during the day and open windows on opposite sides of the home in the morning and evening to facilitate airflow. Using a fan can further enhance ventilation.
Considerations for Outdoor Workers
The HSE warns that outdoor work can pose serious health risks if heat-related hazards are not properly managed. It recommends rescheduling work to cooler parts of the day, increasing the frequency of rest breaks, providing shaded rest areas, and ensuring free access to cool drinking water.
Workers should be encouraged to remove personal protective equipment during breaks to aid cooling.
Acas advises that outdoor staff wear appropriate clothing and use sunscreen to protect against sunburn.
Impact of Heatwave on Commuting
The heatwave may disrupt transport services. High temperatures can affect overhead power lines on railways and cause rails to buckle.
Acas notes that such disruptions could affect staff attendance and punctuality. It recommends checking timetables in advance and encourages employers to be flexible with working arrangements.
National Highways advises drivers to carry ample drinking water for themselves and passengers during journeys. It also suggests adjusting travel times to avoid the hottest days and periods.
The RAC motoring group has recommended that drivers without effective air conditioning "strongly consider" postponing non-essential travel until weather warnings are lifted.
