Hot weather service updates
With severe heat warnings forecast for North Northamptonshire, find out how various services may be affected.
Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs)
HWRCs may need to close temporarily at certain times. This is to ensure staff can take necessary breaks in the shade and stay properly hydrated.
Take extra care while on site, metal surfaces such as handrails and container sides can become extremely hot when exposed to direct sunlight and may cause burns.
If possible, please:
- plan your visit outside of peak heat hours (1pm to 3pm)
- wear protective gloves and sensible footwear if your visit cannot be avoided
Any temporary closures will be in place to protect both visitors and staff. We will aim to maintain normal opening hours wherever possible and appreciate your understanding.
Bin collections
Bin collections are continuing as normal; however, crews are aiming to complete routes before the hottest part of the day.
Therefore, collections may start earlier than usual for the rest of the week, so please place your bins out the night before your scheduled collection day to ensure they are not missed.
Rough sleepers
Find access to water and cool, safe spaces if your a rough sleepers or a member of the homeless community during this period of extreme hot weather.
Chester House
Chester House will close to general visitors from this Wednesday 24 to Friday 26 of June. We look forward to welcoming everyone back once temperatures return to safer levels.
Wellbeing walks
Any wellbeing walks scheduled to take place between 11am and 3pm have been cancelled. For walks happening before or after these times please contact your walk leader or myself to confirm if there are any planned changes.
Estate Walkabouts
Beanfield Estate Walkabout 25th June 2pm to 4pm has been cancelled. This has been taken in the interest of everyone’s health and safety, the walkabout will be rescheduled.
Rushden Library - Under 5's groups
All under 5's groups at Rushen Library have been cancelled to protect the safety and wellbeing of our customers and staff.
Health
Temperatures are predicted to be very warm. Normally, the body gets a chance to rest and repair overnight, but this process can be a struggle when temperatures don’t drop. It can be unpleasant and is an issue for those whose underlying health conditions.
Keep an eye on those most vulnerable, particularly those who are older or have lung or heart conditions. Look out for heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
- Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated
- Stay hydrated - take water with you if you are travelling or out and about
- Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm as this is when UV rays are the strongest - avoid physical exertion at this time
- Stay in the shade when possible, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat
- Close curtains in rooms that the sun faces - this will help rooms remain cooler - remember it could be cooler outdoors than indoors
- Never leave anyone in a parked closed vehicle - especially not animals, children or babies
- Avoid travelling at peak times on motorways, particularly if transporting children or the elderly
- Sadly accidents, often fatal, happen in water at this time of year particularly involving youngsters. That’s why we’re asking parents to supervise their children in and around water. Although it can be fun to cool off in water structures such as bridges, locks and flood channels, reservoirs and quarries should be avoided. Make sure you know the RNLI’s Float to Live
- Unexpectedly cold water or strong currents can catch even experienced swimmers off guard - better to swim safely at one of the county’s organised events where support is provided
- Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.
Last updated 23 June 2026