A statement has been issued to customers.
Shops have been closed (Image: Getty)
Greggs has closed a number of stores across the UK due to the soaring temperatures on Wednesday, as a statement is issued to customers. The popular bakery chain said that its closing 11 of its stores on Wednesday and Thursday as the country experiences heatwave conditions.
An email sent to customers of the bakery chain said: “Just to let you know – the following shops will be temporarily closed on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June to protect our customers and colleagues during the severe hot weather.” Stores have been closed in: Aldridge, Wolverhampton, Luton, Gosport, Trowbridge, Barnet, Marlborough, Wantage, Dudley, Northampton and Leicester Square, London. It comes as the Met Office issued rare red heat warning for several parts of the UK. The heat warning is now active for much of southern and central England and Wales, with Amber warnings now also extending into Friday and Saturday for some.
11 Greggs stores across the UK have been closed due to unsafe heat levels (Image: Getty)
In a message posted on social media, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan urged people to take suitable precautions. He said: “Extreme heat poses a serious risk to health. Please prioritise safety: stay hydrated, avoid being out in the sun, and check on vulnerable neighbours.”
Met Office Chief Forecaster Matthew Lehnert said: “This is exceptional heat for June with temperature records expected to be broken this week.
“Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting significant impacts from this heatwave, with health issues likely, even beyond those who are more vulnerable to the heat.
“High humidity is an additional factor for this heatwave which will mean the heat will feel much more potent for many. When you couple all of this with the high overnight temperatures, with temperatures likely to stay above 20C for large parts of England and Wales, these combined impacts all increase the potential for significant impacts.”
Temperature levels are likely to reach to 40C (Image: Getty)
According to the Met Office, temperatures will exceed 30C for many on Wednesday and Thursday, with a peak of around 37C possible on Wednesday and 38C on Thursday and Friday, though there’s still a chance of this being exceeded.
It said: “The existing UK June daily air temperature record of 35.6C, reached on 28 June 1976 and 29 June 1957, is very likely to be exceeded in the coming days.”
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a series of Heat Health Alerts, which specifically highlight the potential health and social care impacts.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA said: “Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared. It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.
“A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference. It’s also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.”
Full list of Greggs stores closed
Aldridge
Wolverhampton
Luton
Gosport
Trowbridge
Barnet
Marlborough
Wantage
Dudley
Northampton
Leicester Square, London.
