UK Braces for Fifth Heatwave as Summer Poised to Break Records
Britain faces its fifth heatwave of a record-breaking summer, with temperatures forecast to reach 38°C, worsening drought and wildfire risks.
Large parts of western Europe are set to experience another day of extreme heat on Thursday, with Britain bracing for its fifth heatwave of an exceptional summer. Forecasters predict temperatures could reach 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) in central and southeast England, just short of the August record of 38.5°C set in 2003.
The Met Office has indicated that even average conditions for the rest of August would be enough to surpass last year's record for the hottest year on record. The sustained heat has proven particularly challenging for a country not typically equipped for such temperatures.
The Royal College of Nursing has highlighted the severe impact on healthcare workers, with nurses reportedly collapsing from heat exhaustion. Professor Nicola Ranger, the RCN's chief executive and general secretary, said nursing staff are being "failed" by workplaces that cannot handle the heat, leaving them feeling dizzy, sick, or even requiring hospital admission themselves.
Most of the country is now officially in drought, putting significant pressure on water supplies for households, agriculture, and the environment. Southern Water has applied for a rare drought order that would ban businesses from nonessential water use, including car cleaning and filling nondomestic swimming pools. The company cited an "exceptional" lack of rain threatening supplies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle will decide on the application, which would be the first such ban since May 2006.
Wildfires continue to burn across the country, with the New Forest in southern England experiencing significant blazes this week. Data from the National Fire Chiefs Council shows 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales this year, matching last year's record-breaking total. While not as severe as those in France, Greece, or Spain, they underscore the need for the UK to adapt to a changing climate.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will consider banning disposable barbecues due to the ongoing risk of wildfires. "I do believe we need to get the message out loud and clear," he said. "People should not be using those barbecues outside at this moment in time."