The UK is facing its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures peaking at 34.7°C (94.5°F) in parts of England on Thursday. The extreme heat, which has gripped much of the country for days, is expected to intensify over the weekend. The scorching conditions have triggered hosepipe bans affecting millions across Yorkshire, Kent, and Sussex.
According to the Met Office, Thursday’s high of 34.7°C was recorded at Astwood Bank in the West Midlands. Wales saw its warmest day of the year with 32.7°C (90.9°F) in Usk, while Scotland and Northern Ireland also experienced unusually high temperatures at 28.9°C and 28.1°C, respectively.
The hot, dry weather has led to worsening drought conditions, raising fears of water shortages, increased fire risk, and health threats, especially for vulnerable populations. In response, water companies have imposed hosepipe bans in several regions to conserve supply. The restrictions prohibit the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, or filling pools and ponds.
Wildfire Risk Rises as Fires Break Out Across UK
While some residents embraced the sun with beach outings and barbecues, emergency services were stretched thin as heat-related incidents surged. In Derbyshire, artificial grass caught fire at a local farm. In east London, firefighters battled a grass blaze under a “severe” wildfire warning.
Authorities in Scotland and Northern Ireland have issued similar alerts, urging people to take extra caution in rural areas. Officials warn that dry vegetation and high temperatures create the perfect conditions for wildfires to spread rapidly.
The UK Fire and Rescue Service reported a significant increase in fire callouts this week, many of which were preventable. Residents are being urged not to discard cigarettes outdoors and to avoid lighting disposable barbecues on grass or open ground.
Local councils have also cancelled some outdoor events, citing fire risk and heat-related health concerns. Hospitals have seen a rise in cases of heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory distress, particularly among children and older adults.
Climate Experts Warn of Long-Term Health Threats
As the mercury continues to rise, climate scientists and public health officials are sounding the alarm about the long-term effects of recurring heatwaves. A new study released Wednesday projects that heat-related deaths in England and Wales could rise from 600 annually to as many as 34,000 by the 2070s under worst-case climate scenarios.
The study links the increase to both climate change and an ageing population. However, it also notes that the impact could be greatly reduced if global warming is kept near international targets and heat adaptation measures are improved. In that case, heat-related fatalities might rise only to around 4,600 per year.
The government has urged residents to follow health advice: stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak sun hours, and check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives. Cooling centers have opened in parts of London, Manchester, and Birmingham for those without access to air conditioning.
While cooler evenings offer temporary relief, the heatwave is expected to intensify over the weekend, with temperatures possibly exceeding 35°C in parts of southern England. The Met Office has extended its amber heat alert through Sunday, and water companies warn that more hosepipe bans could follow if dry conditions persist.
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