The Met Office has forecast highs of 39°C this afternoon.
Leeds City Council has issued a red alert statement about the record-breaking weather set to hit Leeds over the coming hours.
Whilst the Met Office has predicted a maximum temperature across Yorkshire and the Humber of a 41 °C, describing the weather as an 'exceptionally hot day'; here in Leeds, we are only expected to see a drop of 2°C, taking our maximum to 39°C.
Regardless of the final temperature, it appears that we're in with a chance of breaking the previous record in the UK of 38.7°C.
Here's what Leeds City Council have had to say about staying cool in the city today- and where you can find all the information you need.
It appears that the weather is warm enough to melt the roads- and the council are asking for individuals that spot a problem to call 0113 222 4407 or visit the Report a pothole or damaged road surface page on the Leeds government website.
Back in 2019, Stanningley Bypass had to close after the road created a 'speed bump' as the extreme weather caused the road to 'buckle' and create a large ridge. Last week the Yorkshire Evening Post reported that there has been concern for drivers using this bypass in the heat as the road has begun to lift once more.
Closures
Image: Unsplash
The council has issued the following statements about government-owned resources:
Household Waste and Recycling Centres will close at 12 noon on Tuesday, again with the exception of Kirkstall which will remain open as normal.
All council libraries and community hubs will close earlier at 4pm.
Tropical World will also be closed to ensure the safety of visitors, staff and the animals. The animal keepers will be focused on the welfare of the animals whilst the café and shop will remain open.
The Arium Café is closed but the Coffee POD will remain open. All other parks cafes will be open as usual but offering a reduced menu.
Leeds City Council reported that: "Schools will remain open wherever possible in order help keep children safe. Bulletins have been given to schools outlining a range of advice and guidance on clothing, fluids, ways to keep cool, windows, air movement and fans, transport, sunscreen, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke and outdoor activities."
Many schools have taken the decision to close early to avoid the peak temperatures expected this afternoon. So far, the following school have made a statement about opening and the extreme weather conditions.
Corpus Christi Catholic College- closed
Leeds West Academy- closed with online learning
Lawnswood School- close from 12.15pm
Bramley Park Academy- closed
Elements Primary School- closed
Summerfield Primary School- closed
Ralph Thoresby School- expected to work from home from 12.10pm
Templenewsam Halton Primary School- closed apart from to those with vulnerable families and those without child care
General Advice
Image: Unsplash
As part of their statement the council has provided Leeds with advice about working and welfare during the heatwave period.
"Everyone is advised to follow the national guidance to stay indoors with curtains closed especially during the peak hours of 11am-4pm, to hydrate regularly, wear loose clothing and take regular breaks. It is also important to check on the welfare of neighbours and vulnerable/elderly residents and family members.
"If you are able to work from home please do so, and try to avoid travel especially during the expected hottest period on Tuesday.
"Water safety is also especially important, and the guidance is please do not attempt to swim in open water as this is very dangerous.
"Grass fires are also a risk in current temperatures, so please take extra care and precautions when lighting and disposing of barbecues, cigarettes or glass which can cause fires.
Have we missed anything? Get in touch and tweet @thehootleeds to keep us up-to-date with the latest heatwave news.
Feature Image- Unsplash
Leeds
No Greek Tragedy, just indie bangers – The Wombats set Leeds’ First Direct Arena alight
The Wombats aren’t just still going strong - they’re getting better. And honestly? Long may they reign.
The Wombats absolutely tore the roof off the First Direct Arena in Leeds last night, Wednesday 26 March and what a night it was.
From the second they hit the stage it wasn’t just a gig, it was a full-blown indie-pop spectacle, packed with infectious energy, nostalgia, and a whole lot of dancing.
They kicked things off with “Moving to New York,” and honestly? The crowd was in from the first note.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Matthew Murphy’s unmistakable vocals rang through the arena and suddenly, thousands of people were screaming every lyric like it was 2007 all over again. It was one of those moments where you could just feel how much this band still means to people.
Despite the massive venue, The Wombats somehow made it feel intimate. The lights? Pure chaos in the best way - vibrant, colourful, and totally in sync with the band’s wild, bouncy sound.
Murphy’s cheeky banter between songs made it feel less like a polished arena show and more like a jam session with a few thousand of your closest mates.
Setlist-wise, they nailed it. “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” and “Greek Tragedy” had the whole place losing it, while the stripped-down version of “Techno Fan” gave everyone a minute to breathe (and maybe get a little emotional).
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Those quieter moments just made the high-energy choruses hit even harder. It was a rollercoaster - in the best way possible.
Then came the encore. If you thought the crowd was loud before, “Kill the Director” took things to another level. Pure, chaotic indie bliss. The kind of moment you don’t want to end.
Here’s the thing about The Wombats: some might say their older songs hit harder than their newer stuff, but is that just nostalgia talking? Or maybe it’s a generational thing?
Either way, they proved they’re still one of the most exciting live bands out there. They’ve still got the hooks, the humour, and the ability to turn a massive arena into a sweaty, euphoric singalong.
Get Baked’s viral ‘Bertha’ cake has a sister on the way – and she sounds just as cheeky
Danny Jones
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Sophie Smith -
19th July 2022 
