Greggs has temporarily closed 11 of its shops across the UK, including locations in the Midlands, due to the ongoing extreme heatwave. The closures affect stores in Wolverhampton, Dudley, Aldridge, and other areas, as temperatures soared to a record-breaking 36°C on June 24, 2026.
Stores Affected by the Closures
The affected Greggs outlets include the branch at 140 Cannock Road, Wolverhampton, and the Greggs inside Tesco Extra in Dudley. Other closures span Aldridge, Luton, Gosport, Trowbridge, Barnet, Marlborough, Wantage, Northampton, and London's Leicester Square flagship store.
In a statement, Greggs explained: "Just to let you know – the following shops will be temporarily closed on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June to protect our customers and colleagues during the severe hot weather."
Record-Breaking Heatwave
The UK experienced its hottest June day ever recorded on June 24, with temperatures reaching 36°C. The Met Office has forecast that temperatures could hit 39°C on June 25, potentially breaking the record again. Birmingham and the East Midlands remain under a rare red weather warning, with extreme heat affecting large parts of southern England.
Matthew Lehnert, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "This is exceptional heat for June with temperature records expected to be broken this week. Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting significant impacts from this heatwave, with health issues likely, even beyond those who are more vulnerable to the heat."
Impact on Staff and Customers
Greggs prioritised staff and customer safety amid the extreme conditions. The bakery chain, which has multiple locations across Birmingham, emphasised that the closures were necessary to protect everyone during the severe heat. High humidity has made the heat feel even more intense, with overnight temperatures expected to stay above 20°C across large parts of England and Wales.
The closures highlight the broader challenges businesses face during extreme weather events, as the UK grapples with the effects of climate change and increasingly frequent heatwaves.
