The UK is set to experience its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures potentially reaching 38C. Rare amber extreme heat warnings have been issued across parts of England, and a firefighters' union chief has declared a wildfire "national emergency" for the country.
Amber warnings and record heat
The Met Office has issued rare amber "extreme heat" warnings for 12 counties across London, the South East, East Midlands, East of England, West Midlands, and South Yorkshire. These warnings are in effect from 9am on Tuesday, August 11, until midnight on Thursday, August 13.
Temperatures could reach 33C on Wednesday before soaring to 37C or 38C on Thursday, according to the Met Office. The UK is also on track for its hottest summer on record, with only average conditions needed for the rest of August to beat last year's record.
Wildfire crisis and drought
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright told Times Radio that the country is facing a national emergency "right now," with blazes seen "all across" the UK. Firefighters have responded to 966 wildfires across England and Wales this year, including 185 in the first 10 days of August alone, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). July was the busiest month on record for wildfires, with 458 incidents.
Crews from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have been battling a blaze in the New Forest, which began after a van caught fire on the A31 near Ringwood on Sunday. The area is protected heathland and home to rare species, according to the New Forest National Park Authority.
Nearly three quarters of England and the whole of Wales are now in drought, after a record dry July and very dry start to August. The Environment Agency said 71.3% of England is experiencing "flash drought," a phenomenon that develops quickly due to very low rainfall and high temperatures.
Health alerts and water restrictions
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for all regions, spanning from Tuesday at 9am to Friday at 9pm. Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer said: "While the peak heat will be more short-lived than recent heatwaves, temperatures widely into the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday brings the potential for impacts for some, which is why a Met Office warning has been issued."
Southern Water has applied for a rare drought order that would ban businesses from non-essential water use, including cleaning cars and filling non-domestic swimming pools. The company said an "exceptional" lack of rain threatened supplies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, warning that 165,000 people in the Southampton West supply area could face restrictions. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle will decide on the application, which would be the first such ban since May 2006.
Water stations have opened in Ilford, east London, and Chigwell, Essex, after burst water mains left homes and businesses without water or with low pressure since Sunday, Thames Water said. Record-breaking heatwaves in May and June led to more than 2,800 deaths, and England and Wales experienced their driest July since records began in 1836.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "I want to thank NHS staff who are once again stepping up to cope with the extra pressures that hot weather brings. Extreme heat can be dangerous, so staying aware of warnings and alerts in place can make a real difference."
