A Leeds school has urged students to stay at home on Monday and Tuesday as the Met Office issue a rare red alert for extreme heat.
For the first time ever, a red alert has been issued for extreme heat, which means there is a strong risk of loss of life. The Met Office has warned that the "exceptional hot spell" could lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure and lead to serious illness.
The red alert, which covers Leeds on both days, has led to some schools closing in England and others taking measures such as urging pupils not to wear full uniform.
Read more: How hot it is going to be in Leeds on Monday and Tuesday as red weather warning issued
Ralph Thoresby High School in north Leeds has issued a message telling students that on both days, they can work online from home if they wish.
In a tweet earlier today, a spokesperson for the school said: "Due to the extreme weather forecast for Mon / Tues, we are encouraging students to work online from home after 12.10pm. Full details are in the letter sent to all families earlier today. We are prioritising student's safety in the these unprecedented conditions. Take care."
The Department for Education has told school leaders they should "make sure they take any steps necessary to make sure children are safe and comfortable" during the two days. That includes avoiding lessons that involve "vigorous physical activity" and suggesting pupils wear loose, light-coloured clothing with sun hats. Schools are also advised to provide children with plenty of water.
The red weather warning for extreme heat is in place from 12am on Monday, July 18, until 11.59pm on Tuesday, July 19, covering Leeds as well as other parts of the country. A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "Population-wide adverse health effects (could be) experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life.
"Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice."
Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required amid the warning and there is also a high risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, which could lead to localised loss of power and other services such as water or mobile phone services.
As temperatures surge significantly more people are likely to be visiting coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents warns the Met Office. Delays on roads and road closures are also likely, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays.
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