June 24, 2026 - 203 views
North Wales is bracing for another day of exceptional heat on Thursday (25 June), with temperatures expected to climb into the mid-30s in some areas, prompting a growing number of school closures and disruption across the region.
An amber heat health alert remains in place, and schools say they have taken the decision to close after risk assessments concluded they could not guarantee a safe learning environment for pupils and staff.
In Gwynedd, Ysgol Eifion Wyn in Porthmadog, Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen and Ysgol Yr Hendre in Caernarfon, along with Ysgol Hafod Lon in Penrhyndeudraeth, will all be closed on Thursday.
Ysgol Hafod Lon said it had carried out “a thorough risk assessment to consider the impact of the weather on the health and wellbeing of our learners and staff” before deciding to close for one day. The school said forecasts of temperatures around 35 degrees and the amber warning for extreme heat made the decision necessary.
Ysgol Eifion Wyn said exceptionally high temperatures inside the building meant that, despite a range of mitigation measures, it could no longer provide a safe environment for pupils or staff.
Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen said classroom temperatures were expected to rise well above safe levels, while Ysgol Yr Hendre also cited concerns that it would not be possible to ensure a safe learning environment because of the forecast exceptional temperatures.
In Denbighshire, Ysgol Dewi Sant in Rhyl will be closed, with the school saying there are limited cool areas within the building because it is also being used as a polling station. Ysgol Y Parc in Denbigh will close early at 12.30pm after lunch because of the extreme heat warning.
St Brigid’s School in Denbigh has also announced changes, although these are unrelated to the weather. The primary school will be closed because of a lack of toilet provision, while pupils in Years 7 to 13 will remain open as normal.
In Conwy County, Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan has confirmed that Year 12 students will work from home on both Thursday and Friday.
Forecasters say Thursday is expected to be the hottest day of the current heatwave across North Wales, with temperatures potentially reaching 35 degrees Celsius in some inland areas. Health officials are urging people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day and look out for vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives.
Parents are being advised to check directly with their child’s school for the latest updates, as further closures or timetable changes may be announced if conditions worsen.
