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.
— 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.
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
Image: Unsplash
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
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.
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
Leeds
A slice of New York has arrived in Leeds – and the pizzas are 18 inches wide
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Mamma Mia! The Musical at Leeds Grand Theatre – more than a jukebox musical | Review
Declan Kelly
Mamma Mia! continues to resonate with audiences through its themes of love, identity and belonging.
More than 25 years after it first premiered in London's West End, Mamma Mia! remains one of musical theatre's greatest success stories.
Created by Catherine Johnson and built around the timeless songs of ABBA, the musical has become a global phenomenon, spawning countless international productions and two blockbuster films. Far from feeling dated, the 2026 UK tour, which arrived at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House on Wednesday 17 June, served as a vibrant reminder of why this feel-good favourite continues to captivate audiences.
From the opening bars, the production embraces everything that has made Mamma Mia! such an enduring crowd-pleaser. Packed with beloved hits from ABBA's catalogue, the evening is overflowing with nostalgia, joy and infectious energy.
Image: Supplied
Classics including "Dancing Queen", "Voulez-Vous" and the title number are delivered with enthusiasm and flair, earning enthusiastic reactions from an audience eager to revisit songs that have become part of popular culture.
While the music provides the soundtrack, it is the relationships at the heart of the story that give the production its emotional depth. Lydia Hunt's Sophie Sheridan is portrayed with a clear sense of character, her mannerisms and youthful curiosity making her quest to discover her father entirely believable.
Image: Supplied
Opposite her, Jenn Griffin brings warmth and vulnerability to Donna Sheridan, balancing strength with the anxieties of a mother whose past unexpectedly returns. Together, the pair share a natural chemistry that grounds the production and ensures the emotional stakes remain genuine. Their performances highlight that Sophie's journey is not simply about discovering who her father is, but understanding herself and appreciating the family she already has.
Comedy is never far away, and some of the evening's biggest laughs come courtesy of Sarah Earnshaw and Rosie Glossop as Tanya and Rosie. Their chemistry injects humour throughout the production, with much of the show's lighter side relying on the antics and personalities of Donna's lifelong friends.
Image: Supplied
However, it is "Does Your Mother Know" that emerges as one of the evening's defining moments. Sarah Earnshaw's Tanya commands the stage with confidence and charisma, while Joseph Vella's Pepper matches her energy perfectly, creating a number brimming with playful humour and infectious fun. Their comic timing and exaggerated flirtation are executed with precision, allowing the audience to fully embrace the absurdity of the situation.
More than simply providing laughs, the sequence encapsulates what makes Mamma Mia! such an enduring piece of musical theatre. The number is staged with a sense of joy and theatricality that transforms a familiar ABBA hit but also memorable moments from the film we all recognise and love.
Image: Supplied
The audience's reaction throughout demonstrated just how effectively the show uses comedy to complement its emotional moments, and the chemistry between Earnshaw and Vella ensures that "Does Your Mother Know" becomes far more than a novelty number. Instead, it stands as one of the production's finest examples of how Mamma Mia! expertly balances humour, character and musical performance, delivering a sequence that is both hilarious and quintessentially entertaining.
Visually, the production retains the sun-soaked charm that audiences have come to expect. Colourful costumes, energetic choreography and the idyllic Greek island setting create an atmosphere of escapism, transporting the audience from Yorkshire to the Mediterranean in an instant. The pace rarely falters, allowing the musical numbers and quieter moments to complement one another seamlessly.
Beneath the glitter, platform boots and familiar melodies, however, lies a surprisingly poignant message. Mamma Mia! is ultimately a story about identity, family and accepting that life does not always provide neat answers.
Image: Supplied
Sophie's search for her father reveals that the versions of ourselves we think we need to find may not be the answers we are searching for after all. Instead, the musical celebrates love, friendship and the families we create, reminding audiences that happiness often comes from embracing what is already in front of us rather than chasing perfection.
More than two decades after its debut, Mamma Mia! The Musical continues to prove why it has become a modern classic. Blending iconic songs, heartfelt performances and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this latest touring production leaves audiences exactly as it should: smiling, singing and perhaps viewing the meaning of family a little differently.
Running at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House from 16 June to 27 June, you can get your tickets here.
Sophie Smith -
18th July 2022 
