The UK is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the season as health alerts are issued across England, while firefighters continue to battle a large fire in the New Forest.
After a brief cool night, temperatures are set to climb from Tuesday, with London and most of England already enduring drought conditions. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued heat health alerts covering all of England, with most areas under amber alerts from 9am today until Friday evening.
Temperatures to soar
Forecasters expect temperatures to reach 29°C in Cardiff, 28°C in Manchester, and 25°C in London before rising further. Officials are urging people to stay safe by drinking plenty of water, checking on vulnerable friends and family, and avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day.
Amber alerts are in place for most of England, including the Midlands, South East, North West, and South West, while a yellow alert covers the North East.
Drought conditions persist
More than two-thirds of England has been declared under drought after a record-dry July. The Environment Agency reported that 71.3% of England is experiencing 'flash drought' – a phenomenon that develops rapidly due to low rainfall and high temperatures. The East Midlands, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Kent, East Sussex, Solent, and the South Downs have been added to the drought list.
New Forest fire continues
In the New Forest, crews have been fighting a fire since Sunday after a van fire spread to heathland, engulfing an area equivalent to more than 140 football pitches. Drivers had to flee their vehicles as flames spread quickly through dry verges near Ringwood.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Crews have worked tirelessly throughout the night, a change in wind direction provided a challenge to the firefighting operations but thanks to the efforts of firefighters we are managing to contain the fire. We have been using a mix of fire engines and off-road vehicles to damp down and cool the edges of the area involved in the fire to prevent spread and escalation. The police drone is being used to enable us to prioritise hot spot areas and manage flare ups.'
Elsewhere, crews in South Wales have been tackling multiple wildfires, including at Cwmavon Woods in Blaenavon, Wattsville in Sirhowy Valley, and Abernant in Aberdare. The Fire Brigades Union said: 'In the last 48 hours, we’ve seen major wildfires in Nottinghamshire, Hampshire, South Wales, and Suffolk. This is not bad luck. This is climate change, and firefighters are on the frontline.'
