Parts of the UK could experience temperatures up to 38C in the fifth heatwave of the summer, with dry conditions hampering firefighting efforts across the nation. A firefighters' union leader has declared a wildfire "national emergency" for the UK, while the Met Office has said Britain is on course for its hottest summer ever recorded.
Amber extreme heat warnings issued
Rare amber "extreme heat" warnings have been issued for 12 counties across London and parts of the South East, East Midlands, East of England, West Midlands and South Yorkshire. Temperatures may reach 33C on Wednesday before soaring to 38C on Thursday, according to the Met Office.
The amber heat alert will run until midnight on Thursday (August 13). 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."
He added: "High pressure is now becoming dominant and temperatures will build day by day. Southerly and south-easterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe which helps develop this further notable heat in what has been a hot and dry summer so far for many in the south of the UK."
Health alerts and wildfire response
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for all regions, in effect from Tuesday (August 11) at 9am through to Friday (August 14) at 9pm.
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright told Times Radio that the country faces a national emergency "right now", with fires reported "all across" the UK. Firefighters have attended 966 wildfires across England and Wales this year, including 185 during 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 logged.
Crews from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have been tackling a fire in the New Forest, which started after a van caught alight on the A31 near Ringwood on Sunday. The affected area is protected heathland and home to a number of rare species, according to the New Forest National Park Authority.
Mr Wright said: "In many parts of the country, firefighters do not have the new modern equipment to deal with these. They do not have the new modern personal protective equipment, the lightweight fire kit that we wear, the right helmets, lightweight helmets, breathable uniforms to make sure they're better protected, their health is protected when they're out dealing with these incidents for hours and hours on end."
Drought and water restrictions
Only typical conditions are required for the remainder of August for the UK to surpass the record for the hottest summer, set last year. Nearly three quarters of England and the entirety of Wales are now experiencing drought, following a record dry July and exceptionally arid start to August.
Southern Water has applied for a rare drought order that would prohibit businesses from non-essential water usage, including vehicle washing and filling non-domestic swimming pools. The firm said an "exceptional" absence of rainfall had threatened water supplies across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and cautioned that 165,000 residents in the Southampton West supply zone could face limited water availability. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle will determine the application, which would mark the first such prohibition since May 2006.
Water stations have been established in Ilford, east London, and Chigwell, Essex, following burst water mains that have left properties and businesses without water or low pressure since Sunday, Thames Water confirmed. Record-shattering heatwaves in May and June resulted in over 2,800 deaths, while England and Wales experienced their driest July since records began in 1836.
The Environment Agency stated that 71.3% of England is now suffering from "flash drought", a phenomenon which develops rapidly due to a combination of extremely low rainfall and high temperatures.
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."
