NewsUK NewsSchoolsA number of schools in England and Wales are set to close early on Friday as the Met Office warns temperatures could hit 36C in parts of the country19:34, 09 Jul 2026Updated 03:19, 10 Jul 2026A number of schools are set to close early on Friday as the UK swelters in its third heatwave of the year.‌The heat is expected to peak on Thursday and Friday when temperatures will "widely exceed 30C" across the UK, with some areas in southern England potentially hitting 36C, according to the Met Office.‌Amber heat-health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the Midlands and southern England from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Sunday.‌During the heatwave in June, when temperatures peaked at 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk, more than 500 schools in England and more than 500 in Wales were either fully or partially closed.Although temperatures are not expected to reach the record-breaking levels seen in June, with conditions also expected to be less humid, a number of schools in England and a handful in Wales have said they will close early on Friday. Many of these schools also closed early on Thursday.‌These are:Berkshire:Jennett's Park CE Primary School‌Herefordshire:Blackmarston SchoolLondon:‌Stormont House SchoolPowys:Berriew County Primary SchoolButtington Trewern County Primary SchoolLlanfechain Church in Wales Primary School‌Shropshire:Haberdashers' Abraham Darby School - closed all day for pupils in years seven to nineThe Bridge SchoolStaffordshire:‌Hednesford Valley High SchoolSwansea:Ynystawe Primary School‌Swindon:The Dorcan AcademyWorcestershire:‌The Beacon Primary Pupil Referral UnitChawson Community First School - closed all dayHolyoakes Field First SchoolThe Bewdley SchoolUnity Academy in KidderminsterOffmore Primary SchoolSt Anne’s CE Primary SchoolOn Thursday, temperatures peaked at 35.5C in Wisley, Surrey. The Met Office said it is the eighth day this year that temperatures have exceeded 34C, setting a new record for the number of days reaching 34C or higher in a calendar year. The previous record was seven days, set during the scorching summer of 1976 and equalled in 2020.On Wednesday, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) warned of an increased risk of wildfires and advised people to avoid using disposable barbecues in the countryside, parks and moorlands.‌Dave Swallow, the NFCC’s wildfire deputy lead and lead tactical adviser, said: "Hot, dry weather can significantly increase wildfire risk, but most wildfires start because something provides the spark."Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them."Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water.Article continues below"As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌WeatherMet OfficeSchools