A record-breaking heatwave is forcing widespread school closures across England and Wales, with at least 1,000 schools and nurseries expected to remain fully or partially closed on Thursday and Friday. The Met Office confirmed that Wednesday, 24 June 2026, was the hottest June day on record after temperatures hit 36.1°C in Gosport, Hampshire, surpassing the previous record of 35.6°C set in June 1976. A rare red extreme heat warning came into force on Wednesday and remains in place until 9pm on Thursday across parts of the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Wales, and the West Midlands.