South East schools closed as record temperatures hit

Temperature records have been broken and schools across south-east England have closed as a rare red heat warning has come into effect.

The red warning, which is in place from 09:00 BST on Wednesday until the end of Thursday, covers areas of Kent, Surrey and Sussex and has been extended south to include Brighton and Bognor Regis.

A new June temperature record was set in Charlwood, Surrey, where temperatures reached 35.7C - beating the 1976 record of 35.6C - before another provisional record high of 35.8C was recorded in Wiggonholt, West Sussex.

Transport bosses have urged people to avoid travelling on Wednesday and Thursday and have warned those who do to "prepare for a disrupted journey".

Temperatures are to continue increasing, with a "heat-dome" having settled over western Europe, which could bring temperatures of nearly 40C on Wednesday, forecasters warn.

• LIVE: UK braces for extreme heat
• How to get a good night's sleep during hot weather
• Six ways to keep your home and yourself cool
• What to do if you think someone has heat exhaustion or heatstroke

The Met Office's red warning for extreme heat means an "exceptional spell" of hot and humid weather can be expected across the affected area.

It covers parts of southern England, as well as the Midlands and south Wales, with people in those areas warned there is a risk of serious illness or danger to life.

It is only the second time a red warning has been issued since extreme heat warnings began in 2021.

East Sussex College has confirmed it would close all its campuses on Wednesday and Thursday due to the extreme heat.

Other closures in the county include Beacon Academy in Crowborough, Uplands Academy in Wadhurst, as well as Godalming College in Surrey and Tonbridge Grammar School in Kent.

Some schools have announced they will finish early, inlcuidng Chiddingstone Church of England School in Edenbridge and Skinners' Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

In Surrey, Cheam High School is sending pupils home early.

In Sussex, Danehill Church of England Primary School, Steyning Grammar School, Mulberry Academy Bexhill, Hailsham Academy Icklesham Church of England Primary School and Nursery and Priory School will have an early finish.

Others doing the same include Chailey School, Etchingham Church of England School, Harlands Primary School, Polegate School and The Turing School.

The Department for Education has also issued a guidance on hot weather safety.

These include relaxing school uniform rules - pupils should wear loose, light-coloured clothing, wide-brim sunhats, allow removal of blazers and jumpers and use high-SPF sunscreen.

Schools could also make adjustments such as ventilation, closing windows and blinds when it is hotter outside and encourage students to hydrate.

National Rail has warned of disruption to Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink services until Friday.

On Tuesday, GTR said that speed restrictions put in place for safety reasons meant there would be fewer trains on both days.

"Friday's service is being kept under review as the forecast develops," it said.

Southeastern has also advised commuters to avoid peak travel times as trips to and from coastal towns are expected to be busy.

South East Water said 1,000 residents in Biddenden, Smarden and Headcorn in Kent had been affected by low water pressure or loss of supply.

It said this was due to a burst water main in Biddenden.

The company said there were also problems in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells in Kent, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill in West Sussex and Rotherfield in East Sussex.

The firm said a bottled water station had been set up at Sainsbury's in Headcorn.

The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust said urged online patients to attend appointments as planned unless they believed "being in the heat may pose a personal risk".

It added: "We understand that heat can significantly affect wellbeing, particularly for those who are more vulnerable."

Meanwhile, showjumping venue Hickstead, in Hassocks, has postponed the Hurstpierpoint College National Schools Jumping Championships, due to take place on Friday.

It will now be held on 1 September.

The highest temperature recorded in the UK on Tuesday was 34.6C in Wisley, Surrey, the Met Office said.

Elsewhere, Drusillas Park in East Sussex said that animals at the zoo were enjoying some icy treats to "beat the heat".

The park said that keepers had been working hard over the last few days to help animals stay cool and healthy.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.