LONDON, Aug 13: Large parts of western Europe are facing another spell of extreme heat, with Britain preparing for its fifth heatwave of an unusually hot summer that could become the country’s warmest on record.
Temperatures in central and southeastern England are forecast to climb to around 38°C (100°F) on Thursday, approaching the August record of 38.5°C set in 2003.
The Met Office said earlier this week that Britain would only need to experience average temperatures for the remainder of August to surpass last year’s record for the hottest year.
The prolonged heat has exposed the country’s limited preparedness for extreme weather, with several sectors struggling to cope with repeated periods of high temperatures.
Hospitals have been particularly affected. The Royal College of Nursing said some nurses had suffered heat exhaustion while working in overheated facilities.
RCN chief executive and general secretary Professor Nicola Ranger said reports of nursing staff becoming dizzy, sick or requiring treatment highlighted the difficulties faced by healthcare workers during periods of intense heat.
Meanwhile, drought conditions have spread across much of the country, increasing concerns over water supplies and placing additional pressure on agriculture and the environment.
Southern Water has applied for a drought order covering Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. If approved, the measure would restrict businesses from using water for nonessential activities such as washing vehicles and filling non-domestic swimming pools.
The application follows what the company described as an “exceptional” shortage of rainfall. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle is expected to decide whether the request should be approved. It would mark the first restriction of its kind since May 2006.
The dry conditions have also heightened the threat of wildfires. A major blaze has been burning in the New Forest in southern England, while firefighters across the country continue to deal with increased fire risks.
According to National Fire Chiefs Council figures, 1,017 wildfires have been recorded across England and Wales so far this year, matching the record total reported for the whole of last year.
Although the scale of Britain’s fires remains below the devastating outbreaks seen in countries including France, Greece and Spain, officials say the repeated incidents underline the growing need for the UK to adapt to more frequent extreme weather.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also indicated that restrictions on disposable barbecues could be considered as authorities seek to prevent additional fires during the prolonged dry spell.
He urged the public to avoid using disposable barbecues outdoors while the danger remains high, stressing the importance of reducing activities that could trigger new wildfires.
With temperatures expected to remain elevated and rainfall shortages continuing, authorities face mounting pressure to protect water supplies, public health and vulnerable communities as Britain confronts increasingly persistent summer heat.