The United Kingdom experienced its highest temperature of the year on Thursday, hitting 38.1 degrees Celsius in west London, according to the national meteorological service. This occurred amidst a prolonged period of hot weather across Europe. The Met Office confirmed that this temperature exceeded the previous 2026 high of 38 degrees Celsius recorded in June. However, it fell short of the UK’s all-time August record of 38.5 degrees Celsius from 2003.
Both Britain and France are currently enduring their fifth heatwave of the year, with the first one occurring in May. This latest heatwave has seen a record-breaking four days in 2026 with temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius or higher. Additionally, there have been two days matching 38 degrees Celsius in 2026, similar to the previous year.
France has witnessed even higher temperatures, with some areas reaching nearly 41 degrees Celsius, spanning from Aquitaine in the southwest to the Rhone River valley in the east. The forecast predicts that the most intense heat will shift eastward away from the UK and France by Friday and gradually ease over the weekend.
The lack of adequate infrastructure to combat extreme heat is evident in both countries, as highlighted by the scarcity of air conditioning outside of commercial establishments. In the UK, reports have emerged of nurses collapsing due to heat exhaustion while working in hospitals housed in outdated buildings lacking proper cooling systems.
Severe drought conditions have affected various parts of Europe, resulting in dwindling crops, depleted rivers, and heightened pressure on water supplies for households, agriculture, and the environment. Southern Water in England has requested a rare drought order to restrict non-essential water usage due to the exceptional lack of rain jeopardizing supplies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
As the dry spell persists and rainfall remains scarce, authorities in the UK and France remain vigilant for potential wildfires. In England, firefighters are battling a wildfire in the New Forest region, while the threat of wildfires looms across both countries. The UK has recorded 1,017 wildfires in England and Wales this year, matching last year’s record.
In response to the heightened wildfire risk, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is contemplating a ban on disposable barbecues to mitigate further fire outbreaks. The extreme heatwave conditions have prompted concerns about the need for adjustments to adapt to the changing climate reality.
French firefighters are also facing challenges, with demands for increased resources and personnel to handle the escalating frequency of extreme weather events. Recent wildfires in France, including in northern Pas-de-Calais and Brittany, underscore the urgency for enhanced firefighting capabilities in light of the escalating climate challenges.