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18
Jul 2022
Last Updated: 18/07/2022
Harrogate Grammar School closed tomorrow due to heatwave
The Harrogate district's largest school will be closed tomorrow due to the extreme weather. Find out how else the heatwave affected the area today.
Extreme hot weather affected the Harrogate district today. Here's a look back at today's heatwave news.
It's supposed to be even hotter tomorrow — please send details of travel problems/cancellations etc to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
6.49pm - Harrogate Grammar School to close tomorrow
Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is to close tomorrow due to the extreme weather.
In an email to parents, headteacher Neil Renton said:
"The classrooms seem to be tracking at least 2 to 3 degrees above the external temperature.
"The forecast for tomorrow from 1pm is 36 degrees with this rising to 38 degrees by 2pm. We have found even the temperature today to be an unbearable temperature for children to learn.
"Despite our best efforts to cool the building over the weekend, closing all the blinds, we now have high levels of residual heat in school from a very warm day today.
"Despite giving out free bottles of cold water to the children at lunch, our site team making outdoor spray stations and adjusting uniform expectations, the school has been very uncomfortable.
"The fact that we have a very strong remote learning offer, developed through two lockdowns, means that we can maintain the continuity of provision.
"As a result, we have made the decision to close the school due to the extreme weather conditions forecast."
Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.
If you have details of other school closures tomorrow, message us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
5.25pm - Help a hedgehog during the heatwave
HAPPY (hedgehog appreciation prickly pals Yorkshire), based in Ramsgill, has asked people to leave a bowl of water out for hedgehogs during this week's heatwave.
5.25pm - Fountains Abbey to open tomorrow - but no guided tours
National Trust-owned Fountains Abbey has said it will open tomorrow but urged people not to bring dogs and to consider coming on Wednesday, when cooler temperatures are forecast.
https://twitter.com/fountainsabbey/status/1549067999252021251
https://twitter.com/fountainsabbey/status/1549068002867482630
https://twitter.com/fountainsabbey/status/1549068005144797184
3.45pm - Some bin collections delayed
Harrogate Borough Council has said not all of its scheduled bin collections have been completed today because of the rising temperatures.
It has asked anyone whose collection has been missed to leave their bin out and crews will aim to return when the weather is cooler later this week.
https://twitter.com/Harrogatebc/status/1549039715709464576
3.15pm - No London trains from Harrogate tomorrow
LNER has confirmed that no trains will be running from Harrogate to London Kings Cross tomorrow.
The company is running a reduced service due to extreme heat.
https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840
2.25pm - Temperatures reach 34 degrees in Knaresborough
The temperature has reached 34 degrees in Knaresborough, according to local weather stations.
Areas in Harrogate are currently at 32 degrees.
2.05pm - New caves keep people cool at How Stean Gorge
Visitors to How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale are keeping cool by using two new caves that the attraction has bought.
The two new caves are Hazel Close Cave, which is about 120 metres long and only accessible via a ladder, although features a walking passage for 37 metres. Oxbow Cave is the second new cave, on the north side of How Stean Gorge and is 25 metres in length.
Tony Liddy, director of How Stean Gorge, said:
“We’ve transformed the site with our ambitious expansion plans to cater to the huge demand for adventure tourism. Acquiring the caves is an important part of that, as we want to showcase nature’s stunning playground in this unique gorge that has existed for ten thousand years, since the last Ice Age.”
1.05pm Quiet on the Stray in the afternoon sun
It looks like most people are heeding the warnings not to sit out in the sun today, with the Stray looking all but deserted in the high temperatures.
We saw just a few people walking across the grass, and even one runner, but it's much quieter than usual for this time of day.
Meanwhile, the town centre itself feels quiet, though some hardy shoppers were still out on Cambridge Street - mostly sticking to the shade along the south side.
12.58pm: 34 degrees reported in Burn Bridge
According to local weather stations, Burn Bridge is the current hotspot, with the mercury hitting 34 degrees centigrade.
12.44pm - Umbrellas up as Harrogate hits 30 degrees
It's a day for brollies... although not for their usual purpose. How are you spending your lunch hour?
11.45am - Harrogate charity offers help during extreme heat
Harrogate Easier Living Project has offered support to those struggling during the hot weather.
The charity is offering people emotional and practical support during the soaring temperatures.
https://twitter.com/HELP_Harrogate/status/1548970405829849088
11.30am - Ripon family enjoys the sun
It's warmer than the Bahamas at the Borrage Green Lane Paddling Pool in Ripon, where mum Paula and her children Oli, two, Ted, six, and 10-year-old Arabella were managing to keep cool with an 11am dip.
11.15am - County council urges people to look out for each other
North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to look out for each other during the extreme heat.
https://twitter.com/northyorkscc/status/1548971289179832320
10.55am - Knaresborough Town postpones match
Knaresborough Town AFC has postponed its pre-season friendly tomorrow due to the red weather warning.
The club was due to play Campion AFC at Manse Lane tomorrow evening.
https://twitter.com/KnaresboroughFC/status/1548664274280669185
10.50am - Convention centre issues advice
Harrogate Convention Centre has issued advice to those attend this week's Home and Gift Fair.
The event is set to take place this week during the heatwave.
The convention centre has advised attendees to drink plenty of fluids, bring water with them and to look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated.
https://twitter.com/HgtConventions/status/1547895249137111043?s=20&t=zSOw9DeeoAzafHyGYK5Xbw
10.35am - Boroughbridge care home residents enjoy ice cream amid heatwave
Residents at Boroughbridge Manor care home kept cool over the weekend amid the hot weather with ice cream.
The home timed the treats well for National Ice Cream Day as the Met Office issued a red warning for extreme heat.
Ann, a resident said:
“I absolutely love ice cream. There really isn’t anything nicer on a hot summer’s day. We have had loads to sample today with all kinds of different sprinkles and sauces. They have all been truly delicious.”
9.55am - Yorkshire Ambulance Service urges people to take responsibility for themselves during extreme heat
Yorkshire Ambulance Service has issued advice amid the hot weather.
The service is asking people to take responsibility for themselves so ambulance crews can respond to the seriously ill across the region during the heatwave.
Dr Steven Dykes, Executive Medical Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:
“This advice is common sense but, by reminding everyone, we hope that it will help to reduce the number of people who suffer any ill-effects from the hot weather.
“We will always respond to anyone needing time-critical medical assistance, but we ask that people think carefully before dialling 999 and only call for an ambulance in an emergency when it is obvious that you or another person has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.
“People suffering from minor illnesses and injuries should consider more appropriate services, such as visiting their local pharmacist or GP, attending a walk-in-centre or minor injuries unit or calling NHS 111.”
9.40am - Direct trains to London cancelled
Direct trains from Harrogate to London Kings Cross have been cancelled due to the extreme heat.
LNER is running a reduced timetable amid the weather warning.
Network Rail is advising that passengers only travel if necessary both today and tomorrow.
9.25am - Advice for drivers in extreme heat
If you're planning on driving today, National Highways has issued advice for precautions to take before getting on the road.
It includes taking a bottle of water in your car, leaving plenty of time for your journey and checking your vehicle before you leave.
You can read the advice here.
9.15am - Spa Croquet Club postpones match
Spa Croquet Club, which plays at Studley Royal Cricket Club, has postponed its match which was due to be played today.
The Federation match has been postponed to Monday, July 25.
The friendly against Ben Rhydding due to be played today has also been postponed, but a new date has yet to be agreed.
9.10am - Dog walkers up early in Harrogate
Some dog walkers were up early to beat the rising temperatures this morning.
The heat is expected to reach highs of 34 degrees in Harrogate today.
9am - Hospitals, schools and care homes braced for hot weather
Schools, care homes and public services across the Harrogate district are putting in place measures to protect vulnerable people from the extreme temperatures expected today and tomorrow.
With the Met Office forecasting highs of 38C and red warnings in place, there is a risk to health, especially for the elderly, very young and people with existing medical condition.
You can read more on how schools, hospitals and care homes are preparing here.
8.50am - Ripon Cathedral School reschedules Shrek performance
With temperatures rising, Ripon Cathedral Primary on Priest Lane has organised for a portable air conditioning unit to be put in place in the school hall and planned performances of the Legend of Shrek by key stage 2 pupils, to be re-scheduled from tomorrow, to Wednesday and Thursday.
In a message to parents and carers, head teacher Steven Holmes said he had taken the difficult decision to move the sold-out performances until later in the week.
He said:
“We are concerned about the potential temperatures in the hall for the Tuesday performances of Shrek with over 200 bodies in one space.
“As a school we have invested in LED lighting to reduce heat and have organised for a portable air conditioning unit.”
Tickets bought for tomorrow’s performances will be automatically transferred.
8.40am - Amber weather warning
The Met Office has an amber weather warning of extreme heat for the Harrogate today and tomorrow.
The warning means that "population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life."
It also means that "substantial changes" in working practices and daily routines are likely to be required.
8.30am - Fountains Abbey makes changes amid hot weather
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal at Ripon has made changes amid the hot weather.
Its Studley refreshment kiosk will be closing at midday and guided tours of the abbey and water gardens will not be taking place.
8am - Northern: Only travel if necessary
Northern has urged passengers to only travel if necessary during the extreme heat.
It has also warned that its services could be cancelled at short notice amid the hot weather.
https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1548918144286175234
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