TEMPERATURES soared close to record levels as many people kept off the streets in the searing heat today.

Worcester came very close to breaking its all-time temperature record of 37C as the city baked in the heat.

The hottest temperature recorded by the Met Office for Worcestershire was 36.8C, recorded at Astwood Bank today.

 

 

The previous highest temperature recorded was 37C on August 3, 1990.

The temperature record for Wales was 'provisionally' broken at 35.3°C today.

The streets were by no means deserted but still quiet with only a few people braving the heat despite the red 'extreme heat' warning issued by the Met Office.

In total, 21 schools were expected to close tomorrow (Tuesday) across Worcestershire including Bishop Perowne CE College, Christopher Whitehead Language College in Worcester, Callow End CE Primary School, Chawson Community First School in Droitwich and Norton Juxta Kempsey CE First School and the Chase in Malvern.

 

 

Meanwhile, 19 were listed as showing partially closed. However, the Rivers Academy Trust has opted to keep its schools open on Monday and Tuesday.

The trust runs 12 schools across the county including Northwick Manor Primary, Cherry Orchard Primary, Cranham Primary, North Worcester Primary and St Clements Primary - all in Worcester.

 

 

Kate Brunt, CEO of Rivers Trust said she wanted to keep as many children in schools as possible during the hot weather as not all parents can take the time off work. 

She said: "If parents wish to keep their children off because of the heat, we're coding the absences as exceptional circumstances.

"A lot of parents were really anxious about schools closing because some people can't get the time off work. 

"We have the facilities to keep children cool at school.

"I wanted to keep as many children as possible in school." 

However, if parents did wish to keep their child/children off school the absence would be recorded as authorised. 

Meanwhile, West Midlands Ambulance Service, which is already on the highest 'black alert' level, shared Government advice about how to respond to the hot spell, particularly flagging up the risks to older people (aged over 75) and babies and young children.

People were advised to stay out of the heat, cool themselves down, keep their environment cool or find somewhere else that is cool, look out for neighbours, family or friends who may be isolated and unable to care for themselves.

West Mercia Police said: "Mad dogs and Englishmen (and women) go out in the midday - don't be one of them. 

"As temperatures forecast to reach all-time high today and tomorrow stay indoors if you can, keep cool and hydrated and avoid strenuous activity. Look out for each other."