Sally Nugent announced a "major incident" during BBC Breakfast as wildfires broke out across the UK. The presenter, hosting with Jon Kay, told viewers about fires in Hampshire and South Wales.
She said: "Firefighters have been working through the night to tackle a wildfire in the New Forest in Hampshire. It's believed a vehicle blaze spread into nearby heathland and took hold of a surrounding area. More than 20 crews were deployed to deal with it. And in South Wales a major incident has been declared after a wildfire broke out on moorland."
High winds hamper efforts near Ebbw Vale
As footage of the fires aired, Nugent added: "Emergency crews said high winds are making the situation near Ebbw Vale difficult to deal with."
She continued: "Well all of this comes as more areas of the UK are expected to be officially declared in drought today. Half of England and the whole of Wales are already officially in drought. With water supplies under growing pressure and more high temperature forecasts."
Climate editor warns of heat and drought impact
The programme's climate editor Justin Rowlatt said: "As the UK prepares for a fifth heat wave, it is not just the groundskeepers who are struggling to keep the grass alive. Much of the country is looking rather brown and crunchy."
He noted that after the driest July for England and Wales since Met Office records began, more than half of English regions and all of Wales are already in drought. "And the lack of water has had a stark impact on wildlife and on the country's ability to produce food."
Yellow heat alerts issued
Rowlatt also reported: "The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat alerts for much of England until at least tomorrow evening (Tuesday August 11) meaning the higher temperatures may pose a risk to vulnerable group such as older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions."
"The yellow heat alerts are in place until 9pm on Tuesday, but may well be extended as the hot weather continues. With the Met Office warning temperatures could reach 35 degrees Celsius or more in South East England on Thursday."
BBC Breakfast airs at 6am on BBC One.
