School closures as red heat warning now in force

Schools across south-east England have closed or are finishing early as a rare red heat warning has come into effect.

The red warning, which is in place from 09:00 BST on Wednesday until the end of Thursday, covers areas of Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Temperatures in Hastings and Crawley are expected to hit 36C, while Maidstone is expected to reach 36C and Wisley, Surrey, is forecast to reach 37C on Wednesday, according to the Met Office.

Transport bosses have urged people to avoid travelling on Wednesday and Thursday and are warning those who do to "prepare for a disrupted journey".

Temperatures are set to continue increasing, with a "heat-dome" having settled over western Europe.

This could bring temperatures of nearly 40C on Wednesday, forecasters warn.

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The Met Office's red warning for extreme heat means an "exceptional spell" of hot and humid weather can be expected across the affected area.

It covers parts of southern England, as well as the Midlands and south Wales, with people in those areas warned there is a risk of serious illness or danger to life.

This is only the second time a red warning has been issued since extreme heat warnings began in 2021.

East Sussex College has confirmed it would close all its campuses on Wednesday and Thursday due to the extreme heat.

Others closed in the county include Beacon Academy in Crowborough, Uplands Academy in Wadhurst, as well as Godalming College in Surrey and Tonbridge Grammar School in Kent.

Some schools have announced they will finish early.

In Kent, this includes Chiddingstone Church of England School in Edenbridge and Skinners' Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells.

In Surrey, Cheam High School is sending pupils home early.

In Sussex, Danehill Church of England Primary School, Steyning Grammar School, Mulberry Academy Bexhill, Hailsham Academy Icklesham Church of England Primary School and Nursery and Priory School will have an early finish.

Others doing the same include Chailey School, Etchingham Church of England School, Harlands Primary School, Polegate School and The Turing School.

The Department for Education (DfE) has also issued a guidance on hot weather safety.

These include relaxing school uniform rules - pupils should wear loose, light-coloured clothing, wide-brim sunhats, allow removal of blazers and jumpers and use high-SPF sunscreen.

Schools could also make adjustments such as ventilation, closing windows and blinds when it is hotter outside and encourage students to hydrate.

National Rail has warned of disruption to Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink services until Friday.

On Tuesday, GTR said speed restrictions, put in place for safety reasons meant there would be fewer trains on both days.

"Friday's service is being kept under review as the forecast develops," it said.

Southeastern has also advised commuters to avoid peak travel times as trips to and from coastal towns are expected to be busy.

The heatwave is expected to surpass the record for June of 35.6C set in Hampshire in 1976, and the temperature could come close to the UK's all-time high of 40.3C, measured in July 2022.

The highest temperature recorded in the UK on Tuesday was 34.6C in Wisley, Surrey, the Met Office said.

Elsewhere, Drusillas Park in East Sussex say animals at the zoo are enjoying some icy treats to "beat the heat".

The park said keepers have been working hard over the last few days to help animals stay cool and healthy.

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