The United Kingdom experienced its highest temperature of the year on Thursday, hitting 38.1 C in western London, according to the national weather service, amidst a prolonged period of hot weather across Europe. The Met Office confirmed that this temperature exceeded the previous high of 38 C recorded on June 26 but remained below the all-time August record of 38.5 C set in 2003.
Both Britain and France are currently grappling with their fifth heatwave of the year, with the first one occurring in May. In 2026, there have been a record four days with temperatures exceeding 36 C and two days reaching 38 C, matching the numbers from 2022.
Temperatures in France have soared even higher, approaching 41 C in various regions from Aquitaine in the southwest to the Rhone River valley in the east, as reported by the national weather service. The extreme heat is expected to shift eastward away from Britain and France by Friday and gradually diminish over the weekend.
The ongoing summer heatwaves have exposed the lack of adequate infrastructure in both Britain and France to cope with such extreme heat conditions. Air conditioning is scarce outside commercial establishments and offices, leading to challenges for many. In Britain, healthcare workers have experienced heat-related issues while working in hospitals, particularly in older buildings without proper cooling systems, the Royal College of Nursing highlighted.
The dry spell across Europe has resulted in widespread droughts, causing crop failures and depleting water sources. Southern Water in Britain has requested a rare drought order to restrict non-essential water usage in specific areas due to the severe lack of rainfall threatening water supplies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle will make a decision on this application, potentially the first ban of its kind since May 2006.
With the heightened risk of wildfires due to the dry conditions, authorities in both Britain and France are on high alert. In England, firefighters have been battling numerous wildfires, with 1,017 incidents reported this year, matching last year’s record. Although not as severe as the situations in other European countries, these wildfires emphasize the urgent need for the UK to adapt to changing climate conditions.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is contemplating a ban on disposable barbecues to mitigate the wildfire risk posed by the ongoing heatwaves. He stressed the importance of raising awareness about refraining from using such barbecues outdoors during this period.
In France, firefighters are facing challenges following a demanding summer and are considering strike actions to demand additional personnel and resources to handle the escalating weather-related incidents. Recent wildfires in France, including those in Pas-de-Calais and Brittany, have further highlighted the need for enhanced readiness and resources to combat such emergencies effectively.
