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

Transport, schools, advice.

18th July 2022

4 minute read

We’ll be reaching temperatures of up to 41 degrees over the coming days.

Temperatures are set to reach 36 °C today and a whopping 41 °C tomorrow across Yorkshire and the Humber, surpassing the hottest day on record- and severely disrupting our day-to-day plans.

Whether you’re working from home or trying to make it into the city centre, you’ll find everything from train cancellations and bin collections to school closures and Met Office advice for here in Leeds.

This is an ongoing article, all information is accurate at the time of writing but may change due to the unpredictable nature of weather.

Train Cancellations

🛑#LNERUpdate On Tuesday 19 July, DO NOT TRAVEL between #LondonKingsCross and south of #York & #Leeds, as no trains will run. Only travel if necessary to other destinations.

Visit our website for further information including refunds https://t.co/Suwuk0LDfB pic.twitter.com/yU4Ldpw8mU

— London North Eastern Railway (@LNER) July 17, 2022

Yesterday, National Rail has issued an “Only travel by train if absolutely necessary” warning this morning to travellers, with plenty of disruption expected due to the weather.

For the most up-to-date train disruptions, visit the National Rail website.

Originally, David Thorne, Managing Director of LNER had announced that Monday the speed of trains between York and/or Leeds and London King’s Cross “will be limited to 60mph as a result of the extreme heat”, but this has now been updated to online to show that the disruption of services spreads to mass cancellations instead.

Met Office Advice

The Met Office has updated its advice on the current heatwave.

The Met Office has a dedicated section about what to expect during the red ‘extreme heat’ weather warning, stating the following advice on its website ahead of tomorrow’s predicted 41 °C temperatures.

“Population-wide adverse health effects experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life. Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.”

Bin Collections

Tom Riordan, CEO of Leeds City Council announced yesterday that bin collections across Leeds will start earlier than usual due to the temperatures.

The Tweet stated: “Bin collections in Leeds will start earlier whilst the weather is on red alert in the first part of the week to reduce the time spent by @LeedsCC_News colleagues working out in the hottest weather.

“Please put bins out the night before, or by 6am at the latest on collection day.”

Road Surfaces

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

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.

Schools

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 from Leeds City Council

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