The Crafty Cow, a family-run coffee and craft shop on The Green in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, has announced it will close early on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June due to extreme heat. The shop, normally open until 4pm, will now operate from 8am to noon on both days.
Safety First for Small Business
In a Facebook post, the owners explained: "As difficult as it is for a small independent business like ours, who can’t really afford lost business hours, our priority is the safety of our customers and staff at all times." The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for Birmingham and much of England and Wales, with temperatures expected to peak at 36C on Thursday.
Impact on Community
The Crafty Cow serves coffee and supplies to crafters, and its early closure reflects the severe disruption caused by the heatwave. Hundreds of schools across the country, including those in Birmingham, have also closed. However, individual schools decide whether to remain open.
Tips for Keeping Cool
During the day, residents are advised to shut windows and doors, close curtains and blinds, and minimize internal heat sources. At night, open windows for cross-ventilation and use fans to push hot air out. Other tips include placing ice in front of fans, setting ceiling fans counter-clockwise, and sleeping on lower floors.
