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Herts Live, Hertford (2026)

23/06/2026

Britain is bracing for record-breaking temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday.

With hundreds of schools closing and chaos expected on public transport, a rare red weather warning for extreme heat is coming into force for parts of England and Wales from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm the following day.

Temperatures are forecast to reach up to 40C, beating the current June all-time record of 35.6C, set in 1976. And people are wondering how they are going to cope with such extreme heat.

Many are instinctively reaching for electric fans to help them keep cool. But that might not be the smartest decision. Electric fans don't actually reduce a room's temperature; they merely circulate the air.

So while it might feel refreshing to have one blowing directly at you, the room remains as hot as before. The government's own heatwave plan states that electric fans only work effectively in temperatures under 35C.

Britain is not well-equipped to deal with soaring temperatures. They are typically designed to retain heat with heavy-duty bricks, insulation, double or triple glazing, and thick roof tiles. What's more, most UK homes lack air conditioning units.

But there are steps you can take to combat the heat at home. The government has shared a series of suggestions to help the public get through the next few days:

Avoid the sun when it is strongest, typically between 11am and 3pm. If you do have to go outdoors, apply high protection sunscreen regularly, wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade
Keep your home cool: keep windows and curtains closed in rooms that face the sun during the day. Open windows (if it is safe to) when the air feels cooler outside than inside, for example at night, and try to get air flowing through your home
Limit any strenuous physical activity, or plan physical activity for times of the day when it is cooler, like the early morning or evening
Avoid hot, closed spaces like stationary cars
Wear loose, light-coloured clothing made from breathable natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Dark colours and synthetic materials absorb and trap heat
Stay hydrated throughout the day, not only when thirsty. If sweating heavily, consider rehydration drinks to replace lost electrolytes. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which contribute to dehydration
Spray or sponge your skin with cool water. Cold packs wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck can also help
Turn off non-essential electronics. TV, laptops and chargers generate heat

While Met Office forecasters have issued a rare red weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday in the face of the extreme heat and humidity, a red heat health alert has also been issued in England indicating "a risk to life for even the healthy population".

It's very important to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you.

✍Gemma Strong
📷Electric fans might not be the best option during the heatwave(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)

23/06/2026

Millions of workers up and down the country may find themselves sweltering at their workstations this week as the mercury continues to rise.

However, when conditions become intolerable, many find themselves pondering the same question: are you legally entitled to cease working?

The answer might come as a shock. Despite recurring heatwaves and mounting concerns regarding workplace wellbeing, there is presently no statutory maximum working temperature in Britain.

Under UK's health and safety rules, employers must ensure workplace temperatures remain "reasonable" throughout working hours. Nevertheless, the legislation does not establish a specific threshold at which employees can automatically cease their duties and leave.

The Health and Safety Executive states there is "no meaningful upper limit" as certain sectors, including bakeries and foundries, routinely function in considerably warmer conditions than a standard office setting.

This does not suggest employers are free to disregard the matter. Under health and safety law, organisations retain a statutory obligation to safeguard employees and maintain a secure environment, including upholding what the HSE terms "thermal comfort".

This might encompass actions such as enhancing air circulation, ensuring access to drinking water, modifying shift patterns, loosening uniform requirements or conducting risk evaluations during spells of extreme warmth. Employees who believe their working conditions have become hazardous should first raise their concerns with their employer.

Government-backed guidance stipulates that employers are obliged to evaluate workplace risks and take appropriate measures to minimise them where required.

There are also certain circumstances in which workers may be entitled to additional legal protections. Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, employees can be safeguarded if they leave or refuse to return to a workplace where they reasonably believe there is a "serious and imminent danger" that cannot be avoided.

The warning comes as swathes of the UK brace for yet another bout of extreme heat, with meteorologists predicting temperatures well into the 30Cs. Health officials have urged the public to remain hydrated, refrain from unnecessary physical exertion during the hottest periods of the day and take precautions against heat-related illness.

While there may be no official temperature threshold at which work must cease, experts maintain that employers cannot simply turn a blind eye to soaring temperatures. Should the heat begin to affect workers' health, safety or capacity to perform their duties, businesses are expected to take reasonable steps to ensure staff remain protected.

✍Ethan Evans
📷It can get rather hot while you're at work (Image: Fiordaliso via Getty Images)

23/06/2026

Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed that a small number of special schools have closed this week, in response to the extreme heat.

An amber extreme heat warning has been in place, covering much of southern and central England (including Hertfordshire) and much of Wales, since the beginning of the week.

And a red alert is now in place for Wednesday and Thursday (June 24 and June 25), with temperatures in some areas expected to be in excess of 39C.

Heads across Hertfordshire are being asked to make “reasonable adjustments” for the heat, where necessary.

And “a small number of special schools” in the county have already made the decision to close this week.

Commenting on the situation, a spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: “In light of the rare red warning for extreme heat covering Hertfordshire, it’s important for schools and early years settings to take steps to manage the risks associated with hot weather.

“The Department for Education and UK Health Security Agency have issued guidance for schools, and we have advised heads to carry out appropriate risk assessments and make reasonable adjustments where necessary.

“It’s up to headteachers to make the right decisions for their school and students, and our health and education teams will provide support as necessary/

“Extreme heat may pose a particular risk for special schools and their pupils, and we are aware that a small number of special schools have made the decision to close this week.”

✍Original copy by Deborah Price, Local Democracy Reporter

23/06/2026

Tomorrow's weather forecast for Hertfordshire

23/06/2026

Hertfordshire residents are urged to take measures to protect themselves as the county buckles under a red alert heatwave this week.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a red heat-health alert (HHA) for six regions of England, including Hertfordshire, from 1am on Wednesday, June 24, until 11pm on Thursday, June 25, although this could be extended.

Safety measures for residents include wearing sunscreen when leaving home, staying hydrated with plenty of water, avoiding the midday sun from 11am to 3pm and avoiding excess alcohol.

Residents are also encouraged to look out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours, while the council’s community spaces in leisure centres and libraries will offer cooling environments for residents.

Geraldine Bruce, head of health protection at Herts County Council, said: “We are keeping a close eye on this as we are mindful it may be extended into Friday, potentially up to the weekend.”

The red alert is the second to be issued in its history, following its last usage in summer 2022, which saw an estimated 2,985 excess deaths across England, including 378 in the eastern region.

Ms Bruce said the red alert could impact transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses.

She added: “It indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population. Usually, with our adverse weather reporting, we focus on the most vulnerable, but once we move into a red alert, it means the heat impacts will be able to affect everybody in our community.

“The main messaging really is to look out for one another at this time. Check in on family members, elderly relatives, neighbours, people that might be vulnerable with underlying conditions etc.

“It’s really important to keep our homes cool at this time, keep out of the sun – particularly the midday sun between 11am and 3pm, keep cool indoors by closing curtains and windows, particularly where they’re front-facing the sun.

“Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excess alcohol.

“Use sunscreen if you do go outside and try to stay in the shade, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and a hat for sun protection, keep an eye on children and keep medicines in fridges is really important.

“Physical activity is really important, and we don’t want to discourage that, but we’d encourage residents to adapt what they might do. So, if you’re going to go for a walk, go later in the evening when it’s a little bit cooler.

“A red alert does mean we’re mindful temperatures don’t drop overnight, and that’s when we see the impacts. So again, it’s really important that people try and rest as much as they can at nighttime by keeping cool.”

Residents should be mindful of the following advice:

Look out for those struggling to keep themselves cool and hydrated – such as older neighbours and people with underlying conditions

Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun

Drink plenty of fluids

Avoid excess alcohol

Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle – especially babies, small children or animals

Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly

Avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3 pm when UV levels are highest

Wear suitable clothing outside, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly

Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat

Take water with you if you are travelling

Follow local safety advice if you are going into water to cool down – avoid ponds, lakes and rivers

Check storage for medicines and use the fridge if necessary

Schedule exercise for times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening

More information on common symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke is available on the NHS.UK website linked above.

✍Original copy by Stewart Carr, Local Democracy Reporter

23/06/2026

County council officials have drawn up plans for “healthier air” in Hertfordshire, with a focus on air quality inside buildings as well as outdoors.

The new Healthier Air Strategy will replace the council’s Air Quality Strategy, which had previously focused on sources of outdoor pollution only.

And, as well as outdoor pollutants, it will look at the impact of toxins, allergens and pathogens that can be concentrated indoors.

According to the strategy, pollution found indoors can be caused by outdoor pollution seeping in, even through closed windows.

It can be generated by activities inside the building, with the strategy highlighting the impact of solid fuel burning domestic fires, gas cooking and mould.

Or it can be inadvertently introduced or trapped through building alterations and retrofits to improve energy efficiency.

And according to the strategy, indoor air pollution is “becoming an increasing proportion of the problem with most of our days spent indoors, whether for work, study or leisure”.

Speaking at the latest meeting of the council’s cabinet, where the strategy was formally adopted, the leader of the county council, Cllr Steve Jarvis (Liberal Democrat, Royston West and Rural), acknowledged the ongoing work around healthier air.

And he said: “I think it is important to recognise that it is not just a roadside and traffic-related issue.

“There is an increasing understanding of that. And hopefully this strategy will push that further.”

According to the Healthier Air Strategy, three pollutants are of particular concern – fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ammonia (NH3), although they also highlight volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Outdoor sources of those pollutants can, according to the strategy, include farming and construction, industrial processes, energy generation or transport.

But they can also be generated inside homes from sources such as domestic wood and coal burning, and household beauty and cleaning products.

According to the strategy, up to 20.1% of UK PM2.5 emissions are generated by domestic burning – from burning solid fuels in an open fire or wood burning stove within the home, for example.

And it estimates that domestic wood burning in Hertfordshire creates 184 tonnes of fine particle matter a year.

Gas cooking is also highlighted as a “major source” of indoor air pollution in the strategy, which says switching to electric cooking appliances can protect health by removing the highest concentrations of nitrogen dioxide.

The strategy highlights the use of extraction to remove unhealthy air from a building – rather than those cooker hoods that recirculate air and are, it says, not effective in removing pollutants or moisture.

Smoking, candles, incense, and henna are also highlighted as producing “different pollutants in different amounts”, as are cleaning products, air fresheners and personal care products.

Meanwhile, with data suggesting that 17,855 homes in Hertfordshire are affected by damp, the strategy also highlights the impact of mould on health.

This, it says, is “an important indoor pollutant which can cause both long and short-term health impacts”.

And it points to additional work that’s expected to be carried out by district and borough councils in this area following the introduction of Awaab’s Law.

The strategy – which includes “broad action areas”, rather than a “detailed action plan” – will now be used to help the council to form ‘evidence-based messages’.

And officials say those messages will help residents, businesses and partners to make changes to create healthier air for themselves and their communities.

In addition, it recommends that district and borough councils in Hertfordshire keep the boundaries of existing smoke control areas under review – and look at whether it would be beneficial to declare new ones, based on local evidence.

The strategy was backed by the latest meeting of the county council’s cabinet on June 17.

Among those to welcome the strategy was executive member for public health and community safety Ajanta Hilton (Liberal Democrat, St Stephen’s).

At the meeting, she suggested the shift to healthier air was an approach that would help to tackle wider health inequalities.

And she told councillors she hoped the strategy would help to unlock funding opportunities, as well as positioning Hertfordshire really strongly at a national level for healthier air.

According to the strategy, air pollution can affect every organ in the body, being linked to cancer, diabetes and dementia, as well as stroke and brain development, heart disease and high blood pressure. premature birth, lung disease and blood clots, as well as skin ageing.

✍Original copy by Deborah Price, Local Democracy Reporter

23/06/2026

Government funding will be used to help pay for an expansion of homelessness accommodation in North Herts, it has been confirmed.

Mick Debenham, cabinet member for regulatory at North Herts Council, said £81,000 from a government grant will be used by One YMCA to replace internal doors with fire doors at their Anderson House accommodation in Hitchin, part of the work needed to increase their capacity from 46 to 71.

The funding is part of a £2.8m grant provided to the council over the next three years from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which must be spent on homelessness services.

A cabinet meeting last week (Tuesday, June 16) also confirmed that almost £700,000 from the grant will be provided to Keystage Housing, who provide specialist accommodation and helps people move into their own accommodation, and has faced difficulties accessing higher levels of housing benefit to ensure the service remains viable.

Both Keystage and One YMCA offer accommodation for single people who are homeless.

The council owed a legal duty to 56 homeless single people last year, which was a reduction from 67 in the previous year.

A council report said that “the single homeless pathway generally operates at full capacity with a waiting list for accommodation averaging around 30 people at any one time”.

“The pathway enables us to move individuals on from temporary accommodation in a meaningful way, providing them with the support they need,” the report added.

Cllr Debenham said the funding for each organisation would “support the council in meeting its homelessness duties [and] enhance local provision and increase accommodation capacity across the district”.

✍Original copy by Christopher Day, Local Democracy Reporter

23/06/2026

Land owned by North Herts Council is set to be sold to enable a 600-home development to go ahead.

Picture Estates wants to build the homes at a site known as GA2, located in the north east of Great Ashby, and the council has already approved a masterplan for the site.

But the creation of a new access road for the development, from Mendip Way, requires Picture Estates to use five parcels of land that have different landowners.

The council’s cabinet agreed last week (Tuesday, June 16) to proceed with selling their parcel of land, subject to planning permission for the development being granted.

Tamsin Thomas, cabinet member for enterprise, said: “The council’s land is currently public open space with a playground, and any loss will be fully mitigated through new provision in the development.

“The option agreement has been carefully structured to ensure the council obtains best value, with external valuation and legal oversight in place.”

A planning application for the site was submitted in January this year, with no final decision yet made.

The GA2 site was allocated for development in the council’s Local Plan, which acts as the blueprint for housing and infrastructure construction in the area.

A council report said there is “no viable alternative route” for an access road to the new development.

The other four parcels of land are owned by Croudace, Vestry, Homes England/Stevenage Borough Council, and the Trustees of the Weston Settlement.

✍Original copy by Christopher Day, Local Democracy Reporter

23/06/2026

Gritters may be a common sight on Hertfordshire’s highways in the winter, but now they’re on standby to ensure the roads are safe in the hot weather too.

A red extreme heat warning has been issued for Wednesday and Thursday this week (June 24 and 25), with temperatures in some areas across the south of England expected to reach 40 °C.

And as the mercury rises, there is a risk that road surfaces in the county could start to soften.

The county’s highways chiefs are already monitoring the impact of the weather on the county’s network of roads.

And should the road surfaces start to soften, gritters are on standby to spread grit or sand on the surface, with smaller areas to be dealt with by hand.

Commenting on the preparations, a spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: “We have plans in place with our highways contractors to manage the very high temperatures forecast this week.

“Asphalt road surfaces can soften and start to melt in very high temperatures – typically when the surface reaches around 50 °C.

“This means the impact is usually limited to very exposed sections that get a lot of sun during the day.

“When this happens, localised areas can temporarily become soft and sticky. To counter this, we spread grit or sand on the surface.

“We have two of our winter gritters on standby to do this if it is necessary, but smaller areas may be done by hand.”

The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday (June 24 and 25), which covers much of southern and central England (including Hertfordshire) and much of Wales.

At the peak of the heatwave, temperatures are expected to reach at least 39 °C. By Friday, temperatures will be lower, with highs of 32°C forecast across eastern areas.

✍Original copy by Deborah Price, Local Democracy Reporter

23/06/2026

A doctor has issued a heat warning for women, saying “they’re not being dramatic”.

According to the expert, women feel the heat “more than men”.

Factors such as hormones, body size, sleep, and nutritional deficiencies can make the heat harder to tolerate, he said. His advice comes as the Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for Wednesday and Thursday.

Highs of 37C are forecast for southern England and 35C in southeast Wales today (June 23). The peak of the heatwave is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures are expected to climb to at least 39C and there remains a chance of this being exceeded in places.

By Friday conditions will be less hot, with highs of 32C forecast across eastern areas. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a series of heat health alerts, which highlight the potential health and social care impacts.

With this in mind, Doctor Amir Khan issued some guidance to his followers on social media. In an Instagram video, Dr Amir, who is best known for his appearances on ITV, explained why women are more affected by the heat.

He said: “Listen, it's going to be hot over the next few days and I'm going to tell you women feel the heat more than men. They're not being dramatic, they are being factual and it's really fascinating in terms of the reason behind it.

“So we know that hormones play a role and that's true, oestrogen and progesterone can affect how your body regulates temperature and menopause and hot flushes can make things so much worse. So absolutely that is true.”

However, this is not the only contributing factor. He continued: “But there are some other things that people just don't think about it's important that you know this.

“So women tend to have smaller bodies and less blood volume than men. That means when temperatures rise the body has less circulating blood available to move heat from the core to the skin where it can escape.

“So that takes longer.” On top of this, women also tend to have smaller hearts and narrower blood vessels.

“So shifting blood around the body to get rid of excess heat may be slightly less efficient than that other man's,” he said. “And he's a really interesting one. “Research suggests women often have a higher skin temperature, but a lower core temperature than men.

“So even when their body isn't actually overheating, they can feel hot and more uncomfortable as well.” Further to this, women might get dehydrated more easily.

He said: “And there's also all the other issues things like dehydration, because women are generally smaller than men, losing the same amount of fluid through sweat, can have a bigger impact, they can become dehydrated quicker, a litre of sweat, lost affects a petite woman, much more than a large man, for example.”

He added: “There's also things like iron deficiency. Women are much more likely to be low in iron because of periods, and if your iron levels are low, hot weather can leave you feeling absolutely wiped out, dizzy, and exhausted. And let's not forget all those things like sleep, women are already more likely to be struggling with sleep disruption during perimenopause and menopause.

“So hot weather just adds to that awfulness and poor sleep then makes you feel less able to with the heat the next day. So yes I know hot weather is nice for lots of us, but if you're struggling and if you're feeling it particularly as a woman, you know why that is. And you can absolutely complain about it. It is your biology and complain about it if you need to.”

If someone has heat exhaustion, the NHS urges you to follow these steps:

Move them to a cool place
Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks
Give them plenty of water to drink – you can also give them an isotonic sports drink or oral rehydration powder that you mix with water, which will help replace salt lost through sweating
Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too

You should call 999 now if you or someone else has signs of heatstroke, including:

Still being unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled and drinking fluids
A very high temperature
Hot skin that's not sweating and might look red (this can be harder to see on brown or black skin)
A fast heartbeat
Fast breathing or shortness of breath
Confusion and lack of coordination
A seizure or fit
Loss of consciousness

✍Fiona Callingham
📷Dr Amir Khan explained why women might feel the extreme heat more than men (Image: Dr Amir Khan/Instagram)

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