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
Pints of Knowledge, Callum Campbell’s fastest-growing event, is coming to Leeds city centre this summer
The pub night that's packing out venues across the UK is coming to Leeds.
Let us introduce you to Pints of Knowledge, a phenomenon founded by Callum Campbell that has built a social media following of more than 160,000 people.
This is different to your average night out, it's a chance to meet new people and spark interesting conversation all in the relaxing surroundings of a pub.
The event has attracted thousands to its unique mix of expert talks, conversation and community in pubs across the UK.
Image: Supplied
And if you're looking to get in on the action then you're in luck, because Pints of Knowledge is arriving at The Wardrobe on Sunday 9 August.
So, what can you expect? From landmark legal history and the hidden pressures behind big systems to the evolving language of gaslighting and radical cinema, Sunday's Leeds programme will demonstrate exactly why Pints of Knowledge has struck such a chord with audiences across the UK.
Founder Callum Campbell, who has spent more than a decade producing live events across Britain, said bringing the concept to Leeds was the natural next step - and we're so happy he thought so.
Image: Supplied
He said: "I've always wanted to bring Pints of Knowledge to more cities across England, and Leeds has such a strong appetite for ideas and conversation. Watching this grow has been amazing, and I can't wait to bring it here.
"As more people look for experiences beyond a traditional night out, Pints of Knowledge offers something different: expert speakers, thought-provoking conversations and the chance to meet new people, all in the relaxed surroundings of a pub.
"People still love going to the pub, but they're looking for more from the experience. Pints of Knowledge is about hearing incredible stories, asking questions, meeting interesting people and leaving having learned something new."
Image: Supplied
The Pints of Knowledge programme at The Wardrobe will look like this:
12pm - Human rights lawyer Mahnoor Omer presents '10 Legal Cases that Changed History'.
2pm - Georgina Shute asks 'Why billion-pound systems are built by people who can't finish their to-do lists'.
4pm - Isobel Logan explores 'Gaslighting: The Evolution of a Concept Across Art, Relationships and Politics'.
6pm - Angelos Koutsourakis will examine 'Third Cinema, The Global South & Climate Change'.
Campbell added: "One hour you can be unpacking landmark legal cases, the next you're hearing about the psychology behind gaslighting, before finishing the day exploring cinema and climate change. That's what makes Pints of Knowledge different.
"This is just the beginning. We've seen an incredible response across the UK, and we're excited to build on that by bringing Pints of Knowledge to more cities across the country.”
Pints of Knowledge takes place at The Wardrobe in Leeds on Sunday 9 August, and you can get your tickets here.
Beloved Leeds coffee brand announce opening date for ANOTHER city centre site
Clementine Hall
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding yet again.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
And there really is no stopping them as just one month after opening a lovely kiosk in the famed Victoria Quarter, North Star is opening another site on Great George Street. Hurrah!
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can find the new North Star opposite the LGI, sporting its fabulous bright colours that will be sure to wake you up even if the coffee doesn't.
At this site there will be all the caffeinated beverages as well as house-made bakes and sandwiches available to grab-and-go.
And we don't have long to wait to check it out, as they'll be opening their doors this Monday 27 July.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible. As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Sophie Smith -
19th July 2022 
