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.
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.
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
Huge international girl group tipped for reunion tour after teasers from big UK arenas
A major international girl band appear to be gearing up for a big reunion tour following a number of teasers popping up at some of the largest arenas around the country.
Including right here in Leeds.
In case you haven’t already guessed it from the thumbnail, we’ll give you another hint: there used to be six of them, though it remains to be seen how many will be returning…
Yes, the once-huge all-female pop group, The Pussycat Dolls, looks set to reunite once again, though the full lineup and exact nature of the shows are yet to be fully verified.
They were a big chart-topping act throughout the noughties, and some of the famous faces are still doing bits in around showbiz today; they’ve been away for a long time, but the First Direct Bank Arena and more have just fans getting ready to “loosen up their buttons”.
Image: Co-op Live
Sharing the big digital advert splashed at the top of the venue on Wednesday, 11 March, the First Direct Bank Arena couldn’t have made it any easier for fans to guess.
Choosing one of the most obvious lyrics turned puns and asking us, “Don’t Cha Wish you knew who we’re announcing tomorrow (Thurs, 12 Mar)”, it didn’t take any time at all for people to figure it out.
With the comments across social media platforms now filled with people sharing gifs of their old performances and dance routines, or simply sharing their general excitement, the hype train is already well and truly on the way.
And then, as if things weren’t already blatant enough, the Pussycat Dolls’ official page has also shared a short clip ahead of the inevitable reveal featuring the words, “PCD Forever”, along with pointing them towards a website listed under the same name.
Now, the last time they performed was not long before the pandemic, with most of the original lineup performing on The X Factor, releasing their first new song in over a decade, ‘React’, which was supposed to signal the start of a reunion.
However, the planned comeback tour was ultimately cancelled in January 2022, and we hadn’t heard much else since – until now. Fans are crossing fingers that they get at least a trio of Nicole Sherzinger, Ashley Roberts, Carmit Bachar, Kimberly Wyatt, and Jessica Sutta, but we’ll find out very soon.
A bar in Leeds is serving £1 Baby Guinness shots in celebration of St Patrick’s Day
Clementine Hall
Baby Guinness shots for a quid? It would be rude not to.
Get ready to raid your wardrobe for anything green, because one of the funnest (and booziest) holidays of the year is just around the corner.
Of course, we're talking about the almighty St Patrick's Day that is taking place on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
It's a day filled with merriment, Irish music and plenty of Guinness. Whether that be pints of the good stuff or shots of Baby Guinness.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We're particularly a fan of the latter.
And there's a few spots in Leeds where you'll be able to get those bad boys for just one pound.
Roxy Ball Room & Roxy Lanes are hosting the offer which will be available from Friday 13 - Sunday 22 March, that's over an entire week of £1 shots for you to get stuck into.
All you have to do is download their brand-new rewards app, claim the voucher and leave the rest to them.
The voucher can be used at any time during the day and at any of their Leeds locations. Pretty class if you ask us.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
And you're really spoilt for choice because you'll find Roxy Ball Rooms on Merrion Street and Boar Lane as well as a Roxy Lanes on The Headrow.
Not only will you be able to bag yourself a £1 shot, but in the same timeframe they're also offering limited edition Jameson shots to mark the occasion as well as two for £10 pints of Guinness.
Of course you'll be able to enjoy all the usual Roxy games and unleash your competitive side, from beer pong and tech darts to karaoke and ice-free curling.
So, get your mates together and get ready to grab a bargain this St Patrick's Day by downloading the Roxy Rewards App here.
Sophie Smith -
19th July 2022 
