More than 1,000 schools across the UK have shut their doors or slashed opening hours this week as the country braces for a severe heatwave, leaving working parents scrambling for last‑minute childcare. With temperatures forecast to hit 40C, mothers and fathers are accusing headteachers of creating unnecessary disruption, while some taxpayers are openly asking whether the closures are leaving children unprepared for everyday life.
The decisions came after a rare red extreme heat warning was issued by the Met Office on Wednesday morning, covering London, parts of the Midlands and south‑east Wales. Forecasters warned that the 50‑year June temperature record of 35.6C is expected to be broken over the coming days. The red alert, signifying a potential risk to life across the wider population, has since been extended until 11.59pm on Thursday to include Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex.
