Schools and businesses affected by record breaking heat

Record-breaking temperatures across the South West and the Channel Islands are continuing to affect people, businesses, schools and travel.

Exeter has recorded its hottest June day since 1976 on Wednesday as temperatures reached 35C (95F) at Exeter Airport, while RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset also broke its all-time June record when temperatures reached 34C (93.2F).

The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for "extreme heat" across Devon and Cornwall until 23:59 BST on Thursday, while the UK Health Security Agency extended its red heat-health alert until 23:00 BST on Friday.

Schools and nurseries across the counties and islands have been affected, with some closing or limiting their hours.

The all-time England record was 35.6C but that was broken in Surrey with temperatures soaring to 36C on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Jersey recorded its highest ever June temperature - 37C (98.6F), which was also the second highest temperature recorded on the island since 1894.

Great Western Railway (GWR) has asked people to only travel if necessary and to expect disruption and cancellations to services; while Guernsey Airport warned temperatures had affected security screening equipment which could cause occasional delays.

The Met Office has also issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms from 18:00 to 23:59 on Thursday.

• LIVE: Schools shut or closing early as extreme heat warning extended in England

According to Devon County Council's website, more than 36 schools were closed or reduced their opening hours on Wednesday, and 12 in Cornwall are to be affected on Thursday.

Several Channel Islands' schools and nurseries closed early or changed their rules on uniform for the rest of the week.

Chaam Klinger, from the UK Health Security Agency South West, advised checking on elderly or vulnerable people and gave advice on keeping homes cool.

"Close the curtains if your windows are facing the sun and keep your windows open at night," she said.

"Try to avoid the direct sunlight at the hottest parts of the day, which tends to be about 11:00 until about 16:00.

"Do enjoy the sun. We are not saying don't enjoy the sun but do be careful.

"Make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing, make sure you've got wide-brimmed hats and you've got sunscreen on, and reapply it.

"Probably the most important: drink lots. Drink lots of water so you don't fall into the trap of getting heat exhaustion or heat stroke."

A combination of a heat dome effect and the advection (warm moist air passing over a colder surface, causing condensation) of very hot and humid air from France will make this heatwave feel more uncomfortable than the May heatwave, and, indeed, the historic July 2022 heatwave.

With higher humidity, our bodies cannot sweat as much and, therefore, retain more heat, raising body temperature.

This is when heat stress and heatstroke can become more of an issue across the population, but especially among the more vulnerable.

Daytime temperatures could peak on Thursday at 35C (95F) but It will stay humid during the overnight period too as temperatures fail to fall much below 18-20C (64-68F).

When temperatures at night stay above 20C, which could happen again on Tuesday night, then it is described as a tropical night, something that 50 years ago would have been unheard of.

GWR warned train services running across its whole network may be cancelled, delayed or revised.

"Extreme heat can cause rails to expand and buckle, so, when temperatures reach certain thresholds, trains must run more slowly to keep services safe," it said.

"This will mean fewer trains and slightly longer journey times during the warmest periods of each day.

"Prolonged high temperatures can also affect equipment on our older regional train fleet, including engines and cooling systems.

"This means there may be some short-notice changes or cancellations, particularly during the hottest parts of the day."

James Marshall a thatcher from Cornwall, said he had been starting work before 06:00 to avoid the heat.

He said: "I'm going to persevere for as long as I can, until I feel like a wrung-out cloth, and then it will be time to go.

"I'm always snowed under; work's coming out of my ears, so I just try and keep things moving.

Marshall said he was trying to keep protected from the sun and looked like a "cross between something from Paris Fashion Week and Worzel Gummidge - half scarecrow, half fashionista".

"It's been hard going. There is no getting away from it, it's been super tough," he said.

Guernsey Airport said equipment had been affected by the weather and staff were advising people to wear light clothing and keep hydrated while travelling.

"Due to the current high temperatures, some security screening equipment at Guernsey Airport has been affected, and passengers may experience warmer conditions within parts of the terminal," it said.

"As a result, temporary measures are in place to maintain safe and secure operations, and hold baggage is being redirected through the central search area.

"This ensures the continued safe and secure processing of baggage. However, it may result in occasional delays."

Jersey Post said it was delivering post earlier in the day to avoid staff being exposed to high temperatures.

"With the hot temperatures forecast this week, our posties will be starting their deliveries earlier than usual to make the most of the cooler hours of the day," it said.

"This temporary change will help keep our teams safe whilst they're out delivering post."

Gill Rylance, of Falmouth Coastguard, warned people to avoid jumping into the sea to cool down.

She said: "I know it sounds a bit silly, but, with the temperatures so high, there is a big difference between the air temperature and the sea temperature.

"It's 10-plus degrees lower than the air temperature, and sudden immersion could still potentially bring on cold water shock. Just keep that in mind.

"I know its tempting to just run in and throw yourself in the water, but there is still that potential."

The University of Exeter's climate and environment researchers have reacted to the record-breaking temperatures seen across the UK and parts of Europe.

Professor James Dyke, assistant director of the Global Systems Institute, said: "Very hot weather will in a few decades be the norm, with even more extreme heatwaves.

"The UK is grossly unprepared for this much hotter world. Adaption is now absolutely vital."

Dartmoor National Park Authority warned the risk of fire on the moor was very high due to the hot and dry weather.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service group commander Simon Carey also warned people to be careful on the moor.

He said: "It is a real problem. We have had prolonged hot weather. It is like a tinderbox so we have to be very careful.

"I would urge anyone going on the moor to be extremely careful with what they are doing, particularly with anything hot."

A church in Devon has opened its door as a cool space for people to escape the heat.

Reverand Carys Baker, curate at Ottery St Mary Church, said it was always cooler in the church than outside.

She said: "Everyone is quite familiar with warm spaces and we can't offer that, but what we can offer is a cool space.

"In weather like this, it's absolutely ideal and we want to share that with the community."

Steph Black, who runs sign language classes for children and families in Guernsey, said she has had to cancel groups and refund people.

She said: "I tried to go ahead yesterday, but the room that I use, I just couldn't keep it cool enough.

"It is lovely but doesn't have aircon, like a lot of buildings in Guernsey, because we are just not used to this heat.

"I've cancelled classes and obviously that has an impact on me as a small business and makes me feel unreliable."