Greggs has announced the temporary closure of 11 stores on Wednesday and Thursday due to extreme heat, prioritizing staff and customer safety. The affected locations include Aldridge, Wolverhampton, Luton, Gosport, Trowbridge, Barnet, Marlborough, Wantage, Dudley, Northampton, and Leicester Square in London. The bakery chain expects to reopen on Friday when temperatures are forecast to drop slightly.
Record-breaking temperatures expected
The Met Office predicts temperatures will peak at 37°C on Wednesday and 38°C on Thursday and Friday, with potential for even hotter spots as a heat dome settles over western Europe. The UK's previous June record of 35.6°C, set in 1976, could be broken. At least 1,000 schools and nurseries in England and Wales will close or partially close, with some implementing early finishes or relaxed uniform policies.
Wider disruptions and safety advice
Transport services face cancellations, and authorities urge people to stay indoors, close windows and curtains, and stay hydrated. The heatwave has sparked calls for government action to improve cooling in hospitals, schools, and care homes. Greggs stated, '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.'
