LONDON — Schools in several regions were preparing for heat-related disruptions on Friday as prolonged periods of exceptionally high temperatures prompted education authorities to adjust schedules, limit outdoor activities and issue health guidance aimed at protecting students and staff.
Across parts of England, schools were expected to remain open where it was safe to do so, but government guidance said leaders should make practical adjustments based on local conditions. Recommended measures included relaxing uniform requirements, increasing access to drinking water, moving lessons to cooler areas, improving ventilation and rescheduling physical education. Where conditions became unsafe, schools were advised to communicate any temporary closures or remote-learning arrangements to families as early as possible.
The UK Health Security Agency maintained heat-health alerts across much of England during recent periods of elevated temperatures, warning that extreme heat could pose increased health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. Local authorities reminded school leaders that decisions on changing opening hours or closing campuses should be based on site-specific risk assessments rather than national directives.
The latest preparations followed weeks of heat-related disruption in parts of Europe. More than 1,000 schools in the United Kingdom temporarily closed or shortened the school day during earlier heatwaves after classroom temperatures climbed to uncomfortable levels, according to education officials and media reports. Many older school buildings lack air conditioning or modern cooling systems, prompting renewed discussion about long-term investment in climate-resilient infrastructure.
Elsewhere, school districts in the United States also implemented heat-response measures ahead of the new academic year or during summer programmes. Chicago Public Schools moved all summer activities indoors during an extreme heat warning, citing the need to protect students and staff while maintaining operations. In Texas, Midland Independent School District confirmed it would follow updated statewide heat-safety protocols requiring environmental heat monitoring, additional rest breaks, hydration measures and adjustments to outdoor practices when necessary.
Education officials said schools remain responsible for balancing continuity of learning with student welfare during periods of extreme weather. Public health guidance in multiple jurisdictions has emphasized hydration, shade, ventilation and reduced physical exertion as key measures to lower the risk of heat-related illness.
Authorities said they would continue monitoring weather forecasts and local conditions, with any additional schedule changes or temporary closures to be announced by individual schools or districts as warranted.
