Leeds

Council issues red alert as temperatures soar up to 39°C

Everything you need to know about schools, roads, libraries and where to work.

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 19th July 2022

The Met Office has forecast highs of 39°C this afternoon.

Leeds City Council has issued a red alert statement about the record-breaking weather set to hit Leeds over the coming hours.

Whilst the Met Office has predicted a maximum temperature across Yorkshire and the Humber of a 41 °C, describing the weather as an 'exceptionally hot day'; here in Leeds, we are only expected to see a drop of 2°C, taking our maximum to 39°C.

Regardless of the final temperature, it appears that we're in with a chance of breaking the previous record in the UK of 38.7°C.

Here's what Leeds City Council have had to say about staying cool in the city today- and where you can find all the information you need.

Read More: Train cancellations, school closures and Met Office advice: Everything you need to know about Leeds’ heatwave

Road Surfaces

Image: Leeds City Council

It appears that the weather is warm enough to melt the roads- and the council are asking for individuals that spot a problem to call 0113 222 4407 or visit the Report a pothole or damaged road surface page on the Leeds government website.

Back in 2019, Stanningley Bypass had to close after the road created a 'speed bump' as the extreme weather caused the road to 'buckle' and create a large ridge. Last week the Yorkshire Evening Post reported that there has been concern for drivers using this bypass in the heat as the road has begun to lift once more.

Closures

Image: Unsplash

The council has issued the following statements about government-owned resources: 

  • Household Waste and Recycling Centres will close at 12 noon on Tuesday, again with the exception of Kirkstall which will remain open as normal.
  • All council libraries and community hubs will close earlier at 4pm.
  • Tropical World will also be closed to ensure the safety of visitors, staff and the animals. The animal keepers will be focused on the welfare of the animals whilst the café and shop will remain open.
  • The Arium Café is closed but the Coffee POD will remain open. All other parks cafes will be open as usual but offering a reduced menu.

Read More: This Leeds cinema is offering gingers free tickets to escape the heatwave

Schools

Image: Unsplash

Leeds City Council reported that: "Schools will remain open wherever possible in order help keep children safe. Bulletins have been given to schools outlining a range of advice and guidance on clothing, fluids, ways to keep cool, windows, air movement and fans, transport, sunscreen, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke and outdoor activities."

Many schools have taken the decision to close early to avoid the peak temperatures expected this afternoon. So far, the following school have made a statement about opening and the extreme weather conditions.

  • Corpus Christi Catholic College- closed
  • Leeds West Academy- closed with online learning
  • Lawnswood School- close from 12.15pm
  • Bramley Park Academy- closed
  • Elements Primary School- closed
  • Summerfield Primary School- closed
  • Ralph Thoresby School- expected to work from home from 12.10pm
  • Templenewsam Halton Primary School- closed apart from to those with vulnerable families and those without child care

General Advice

Image: Unsplash

As part of their statement the council has provided Leeds with advice about working and welfare during the heatwave period.

"Everyone is advised to follow the national guidance to stay indoors with curtains closed especially during the peak hours of 11am-4pm, to hydrate regularly, wear loose clothing and take regular breaks. It is also important to check on the welfare of neighbours and vulnerable/elderly residents and family members.

"If you are able to work from home please do so, and try to avoid travel especially during the expected hottest period on Tuesday.

"Water safety is also especially important, and the guidance is please do not attempt to swim in open water as this is very dangerous.

"Grass fires are also a risk in current temperatures, so please take extra care and precautions when lighting and disposing of barbecues, cigarettes or glass which can cause fires.

Have we missed anything? Get in touch and tweet @thehootleeds to keep us up-to-date with the latest heatwave news.

Feature Image- Unsplash

Leeds

First look inside Bruncho Leeds, the viral brunch spot serving Yorkshire puddings for breakfast

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Bruncho is now open in Leeds

One of Manchester’s most popular brunch spots, which always has queues down the street, has made its way across to Leeds at last. 

Bruncho has opened on The Headrow this week, bringing its hit products like French toasts, Middle Eastern brunches, and iced matchas, to Leeds city centre. 

Bruncho has also made a name for itself with its viral creations, including Labubu Dubai pistachio French toast (how many 2025 buzzwords can you get in one menu item?) and its collection of drinks served at -86°C. 

We're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.

Bruncho has taken over the old Foley’s site, letting the unit’s huge arched windows and beautiful dark wooden floors do the talking. 

The team have added in plenty of plants, seagrass lampshades, and colourful pieces of art to liven the place up. 

But it’s really the menu where the colour kicks in with gusto - starting with the raspberry blue matcha made with 100% pure blue spirulina powder.

Turkish eggs in a Yorkshire pudding
Turkish eggs in a Yorkshire pudding
Pistachio and Kinder French toast
Pistachio and Kinder French toast
Fresh pastries
Fresh pastries
Bruncho has transformed the old Foley's Leeds site
Bruncho has transformed the old Foley's Leeds site
The huge windows at Bruncho Leeds
The huge windows at Bruncho Leeds
New York-style breakfast rolls with croissant loaf
New York-style breakfast rolls with croissant loaf

There’s also the pistachio and Kinder French toast, topped with loads of pistachios, fresh berries, and an upside-down ice cream cone. 

If you prefer a savoury brunch, their New York-style breakfast rolls served in a croissant bun are worth your attention. 

And new for Leeds is Bruncho’s new Turkish eggs offering, served inside a giant Yorkshire pudding. Obviously. 

As for the counter, you’ll find all manner of creative pastries and bakes, like a Malteser cube pastry and Black Forest cruffin. 

Bruncho Leeds is open now at 159 The Headrow.

Read more: A new Turkish-inspired street food spot serving homemade shawarma is coming to Leeds city centre

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Retail giant Uniqlo delays opening date for new Leeds store

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

It's official, Uniqlo is making its way to Leeds. Well, it's about time isn't it?

You may remember last June that murmurings of Uniqlo opening in Leeds were happening.

The news spread after planning documents appeared for new ‘Uniqlo’ signage on the Store House building on Briggate.

We've been keeping our fingers crossed that the news was actually true, and it is.

Uniqlo themselves have confirmed that three new stores will be popping up across the UK over the next two years, with one of them being right here in Leeds.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Their first store of the roll-out opened in Birmingham's Bullring, followed by a new store in Bristol this year.

Leeds was also meant to open this year, but unfortunately, Uniqlo has announced things are delayed and its opening will be pushed into 2027.

The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site.

CGI mockups from firms Thirty One Design and Ink Associates include the glass fronted store with Uniqlo’s signature red signage hanging above the door and off the building.

These will be made from sheet metal with a “sprayed finish” – sounds pretty swanky if you ask us.

Uniqlo UK COO Alessandro Dudech stated: "Uniqlo remains committed to strengthening its presence within the UK retail sector by expanding both our physical store network and ecommerce capabilities nationwide.

"As part of this strategic initiative, we look forward to introducing Uniqlo to the communities and visitors in the North of England, at the new Leeds location and simultaneously reaching customers in the South West in Bristol's Cabot Circus.".

Uniqlo is known for its affordable and minimalist clothing, stocking everything from raincoats and puffer jackets to jeans and a wide range of accessories.

We’ll keep you updated on the timeframe, as to be honest we’re just as excited as you are to be welcoming Uniqlo to the high street.

Read more: A discount Greggs has opened in Leeds with half price sandwiches, donuts and sausage rolls

Featured image - Uniqlo

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