Solihull Council has confirmed that schools across the borough will be left to make independent decisions on whether to close early during the imminent heatwave, as a rare red weather alert for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office. Temperatures in the region could rise above 38°C in the coming days.
Red Alert Warning
The Met Office warns that this “exceptional spell of hot and humid weather” could lead to transport delays, significant changes in working practices, and “population-wide adverse health effects.” The rare red alert covers parts of the Midlands, including Solihull, with the current UK highest temperature record for June (35.6°C) expected to be broken this week.
Several schools in the west of England have already confirmed early closures this week due to concerns about staff and pupils spending prolonged periods in stuffy classrooms. The Local Democracy Reporting Service approached Solihull Council to ask if it would advise borough schools to alter their finishing times.
Council's Response
A Solihull Council spokesperson said: “As a result of the Met Office and UKHSA issuing an amber heat health alert for Solihull the council has activated its adverse weather and health plan. This involves undertaking various actions to help reduce the risk of the heatwave on people, particularly those who are more vulnerable. Schools will put their own measures in place based on the advice and guidance available and what is appropriate for their individual school environment.”
The approach mirrors that of Birmingham City Council, which has also left its schools to make individual decisions regarding early closures.
National Health Advice
Among the advice issued nationally is to stay out of the sun, especially during the direct sunlight period between 11am and 3pm, to hydrate constantly, stop strenuous exercise, and look out for signs of heat exhaustion. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued an amber heat health alert for the region, prompting the council to activate its adverse weather plan.
The Met Office expects the current June temperature record of 35.6°C to be surpassed during this heatwave, which could have widespread impacts on health, transport, and daily routines.
