The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat as unusually high night-time temperatures persist across parts of the UK. Several locations experienced "tropical nights," with temperatures remaining above 20 degrees Celsius, including Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where temperatures did not fall below 22.3C, and Heathrow Airport in west London, which recorded a low of 22.1C. Experts have cautioned that these elevated overnight temperatures can disrupt sleep and hinder recovery from daytime heat.

The heatwave has prompted widespread adjustments in the education sector, with more than 100 schools partially closed across Bristol, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hampshire. In Somerset, the number of affected schools rises to over 200, either shuttered or operating on limited hours. To help pupils manage the heat, some schools have relaxed uniform policies, allowing children to wear physical education kits instead of traditional attire such as blazers and long trousers.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson urged parents to continue sending their children to school where possible. Acknowledging the challenges posed by the high temperatures, she emphasized that schools are implementing measures to support students during the extreme conditions and noted the importance of attendance. “I know hot weather can be a struggle. But my message to families is simple: if your child’s school is open, you should keep sending them in to school,” Phillipson said.

Transportation authorities have advised against non-essential travel during the peak days of the heatwave, specifically on Thursday and Friday, warning that journeys could be disrupted. Passenger numbers into central London have declined in recent days as some workers opted to stay home in response to government guidance. Rail networks also faced interruptions affecting multiple lines, compounding travel difficulties.

The Met Office red warning reflects the severity of the current heatwave, which has posed challenges across public services and the daily routines of many residents. Officials continue to monitor conditions and advise caution amid forecasts for sustained high temperatures.