WORCESTER struggled with scorching temperatures on day one of an “extreme” heat weather warning.
On Wednesday, June 24, the mercury provisionally hit a record high in Worcester, making it the hottest June day on record. The heatwave triggered a red weather warning and widespread disruption across the county.
Conditions are set to worsen on Thursday, June 25, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 37°C.
More than 50 schools in Worcestershire either closed or shortened their hours in response to the sweltering heat, with over 100 set to follow suit on Thursday, June 25.
Road gritting teams were deployed to treat melting roads in Worcester, using crushed stone instead of salt to protect the softened bitumen.
Meanwhile, the RSPCA issued a 48-hour “dog lockdown,” advising pet owners to keep dogs indoors.
A spokesperson said: “Missing a few walks is far safer than risking heatstroke.”
Many Worcestershire businesses also reduced their hours or closed completely.
Script Haven postponed an event, and Wychavon District Council cancelled public engagement sessions.
READ MORE: Schoolboy sent home for wearing PE shorts on hottest day in June ever recorded
St Peter’s Garden Centre reduced its opening hours, and eateries such as The Alma Tavern and The Fishery at The Cob House also closed temporarily.
Little Italy shut its doors, and Healthy Worcestershire Sports Week was rescheduled to the week commencing June 29.
West Mercia Police urged the public to use reporting lines appropriately, as they received an “incredibly high” volume of calls.
Elsewhere, National Trust properties Croome Court and Hanbury Hall shortened their visiting hours.
The Met Office extended its weather warnings to include an amber alert for Friday, June 26, in addition to the red warnings for Wednesday and Thursday.
READ MORE: Pet owners told to implement 48-hour ‘dog lockdown’ as latest heatwave hits UK
Bin collections started 90 minutes earlier and are set to continue doing so throughout the heatwave, with residents asked to put bins out by 5.30am.
West Midlands Railway reduced services and advised passengers not to travel unless “essential,” while Severn Valley Railway ceased operations on June 24 and 25.
Nationally, the UK recorded its hottest June day ever with a provisional temperature of 35.7°C, surpassing the previous record set in 1976.
The heatwave was caused by a “heat-dome” across western Europe, driving extreme temperatures across the continent.
Amy Doherty, Met Office science manager, said: “If confirmed, a new June daily temperature record would be significant.
“The new record provides further evidence that temperatures previously considered extreme are becoming increasingly common as a result of human-induced climate change.”