A severe heatwave sweeping across the UK has caused widespread disruption, with more than 500 schools shutting their doors, rail services slowing down and health authorities issuing urgent warnings as temperatures are forecast to climb to nearly 39°C over the coming days.

Swathes of the UK are to see record-breaking temperatures of up to 38C

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Swathes of the UK are to see record-breaking temperatures of up to 38C

An extreme amber heat warning has been issued by the Met Office until Thursday, June 25 with the mercury projected to swelter to a maximum of 38C in the coming days

The Met Office has issued a rarely-seen red weather warning as the heatwave could push temperatures to 40C

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There is an increased risk of serious injury, ill health and even death

Swathes of the UK are to see record-breaking temperatures of up to 40C

The UK is set for stifling heatwave temperatures this week which could reach 40C and, with the Met Office issuing a red warning, some schools are easing uniform rules and may close

The Met Office has issued a red 'danger to life' extreme heat warning for 'significant disruption to daily life' as the UK faces major delays to road, rail and air travel.

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France has closed hundreds of schools and banned outdoor alcohol drinking in some regions as a deadly heatwave grips Europe

For only the second time ever, the Met Office has issued a 'red extreme heat warning'.

England and Wales will be engulfed by scorching temperatures as a rare red warning for extreme heat has been issued by the forecaster, along with an amber one

The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning as temperatures could surge as high as 40C - which may mean we see the hottest day ever this week

A number of schools in England are closing due to the extreme heat and health warnings issued over the next few days as children are more at risk of becoming ill with heat-related…

Red weather warnings for extreme heat have been issued for parts of England and Wales

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Multiple schools in England were shutting early Tuesday and set to remain closed for two more days with a heatwave expected to set new records in the UK as it spreads across…