UK Braces for Intense Late-Summer Heatwave as Temperatures Near 38°C

The United Kingdom is experiencing another spell of intense heat as summer draws to a close, with temperatures climbing rapidly across much of the country and authorities warning of heightened health risks, drought, and wildfires.

Temperatures in London and several other regions have already risen above 30°C, while forecasters say parts of England could reach 38°C on Thursday.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued Amber Extreme Heat health alerts covering southern and eastern England, the Midlands, London, and several other regions. The warnings are expected to remain in effect until Friday.

Authorities have also raised concerns about an increased risk of wildfires as prolonged hot and dry conditions persist. The government is closely monitoring the situation, and the Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBRA) emergency committee held a meeting on Wednesday to coordinate the response.

A spokesperson for 10 Downing Street said firefighters, farmers, and National Health Service (NHS) staff are facing significant challenges during the ongoing heatwave. The government said it is continuing efforts to protect public safety, safeguard water supplies, and minimize environmental damage.

The Met Office forecasts temperatures of up to 38°C across the Midlands, eastern England, London, southeast England, and parts of Yorkshire and the Humber on Thursday.

If the temperature reaches 38°C, it would mark the hottest day in August since 2003, when the UK recorded 38.5°C during an exceptional summer heatwave. Earlier this summer, 38°C was recorded in Lingwood, Norfolk, on June 26.

The Met Office also said this year has already set a new record for the number of days with temperatures of 30°C or higher. Sunday marked the 35th day this year on which temperatures reached or exceeded that threshold.

The prolonged hot weather has intensified drought conditions across England. On Monday, authorities declared 71.3% of the country to be in drought status, affecting around 45 million people. More than 27 million residents are now living in areas subject to water-use restrictions.

Wildfires have become another growing concern. According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, firefighters have responded to 966 wildfires across England and Wales so far this year, including 185 incidents during the first 10 days of August and 458 in July alone.

A major wildfire has been burning in Hampshire's New Forest since Sunday after a van caught fire on the A31 near Ringwood, with flames spreading into surrounding woodland. Fire crews remain at the scene working to contain the blaze.

Wednesday's COBRA meeting was attended by ministers from the departments responsible for the environment, food and rural affairs, the Home Office, and health, along with representatives from the Environment Agency.

Health officials have warned that the extreme heat could place significant pressure on health and social care services while increasing heat-related illnesses and deaths. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said the NHS must prepare for summer heatwaves with the same level of readiness typically reserved for winter pressures and confirmed contingency plans are in place should emergency department admissions increase.

The Met Office expects temperatures to begin easing over the weekend. However, parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland are still likely to experience temperatures well above seasonal averages, even if they avoid the extreme heat affecting southern England.

Meteorologists also said this summer is on track to become the warmest on record for the United Kingdom, with the current average temperature standing at 16.48°C, potentially surpassing last year's record.

Climate scientists say human-driven climate change is making UK summers increasingly hotter and drier. Rising global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions are increasing both the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, and experts warn that such extreme weather events are likely to become more common if carbon emissions continue to rise.

Authorities have advised the public to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, stay well hydrated, and take extra care of children, older adults, and other vulnerable people.