englandtimes/london-The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat across parts of England and Wales this week, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40C in some areas.The warning is in place from 09:00 on Wednesday until 21:00 on Thursday, covering central, southern and south-east England, as well as parts of south Wales.As conditions intensify, questions have been raised about whether schools may close and whether employees can stay at home.
Will schools close during extreme heat?
Some schools in affected areas have already announced early closures or full shutdowns during the hottest periods.
However, there is no legal maximum temperature for classrooms in the UK, and the government does not routinely advise schools to close due to heat. Instead, schools are expected to manage risks locally.
The Department for Education says attendance remains important, while teaching unions recommend indoor temperatures should ideally not exceed 26C.
Head teachers are responsible for risk assessments and may adjust school operations based on conditions, including pupil wellbeing and vulnerability. Any decision to close a school is typically made in consultation with governors or academy trusts.
How schools are responding to the heat
Schools are taking a range of measures to protect pupils during the heatwave, including:
- Relaxing uniform rules, allowing PE kits or lighter clothing
- Adjusting school start and finish times
- Moving lessons to cooler areas
- Reducing strenuous physical activity during PE lessons
- Improving ventilation and monitoring indoor air quality
UK health guidance also advises that windows may need to be closed later in the day if outside air becomes hotter than indoors. Fans are not recommended when temperatures exceed 35C.
How can parents help children stay cool?
Parents are being encouraged to support children with simple heat safety steps, such as:
- Wearing light, loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing
- Using sun protection and hats where appropriate
- Bringing and regularly drinking water
- Applying sunscreen before and during the school day if required
Can you keep your child off school due to heat?
If a school remains open, official guidance is that children should attend as normal.
The government says school attendance is essential for learning and development, and heat alone is not considered a valid reason to stay at home.
Do you have to work in a heatwave?
There is no legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK. However, employers must comply with health and safety laws and ensure working conditions are “reasonable” and safe.
Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says employers should maintain comfortable temperatures and ensure access to fresh air and hydration.
Advisory body Acas states that, in most cases, employees are expected to follow their contracts and work with employers to manage heat-related risks.
Only in rare and extreme situations might workplace closure or refusal to work be considered appropriate.
What employers can do during extreme heat
Employers are encouraged to take practical steps, including:
- Allowing flexible working or remote work where possible
- Adjusting dress codes
- Increasing breaks and access to cold drinks
- Using fans or air conditioning where appropriate
- Moving staff to cooler areas of the workplace
For home workers, guidance includes keeping blinds closed during the day and improving airflow during cooler hours.
Outdoor and travel disruptions
Outdoor workers face higher risks during extreme heat. The HSE recommends rescheduling tasks, increasing rest breaks, providing shade, and ensuring constant access to water.
Transport disruption is also possible. High temperatures can affect rail lines and overhead power systems.
Network Rail has urged passengers to avoid non-essential travel during red warning periods. National Highways advises carrying extra water and avoiding travel during peak heat where possible.
The RAC has also warned drivers without air conditioning to reconsider non-essential journeys until conditions improve.