Extreme heat warnings have been issued by the Met Office for 12 counties across Britain as the mercury looks set to climb to 38C in its fifth heatwave of the summer
Large swathes of the UK could be poised to bake as temperatures look set to reach 38C during the fifth heatwave of the summer, with parched conditions hindering firefighting teams tackling blazes nationwide.
One firefighters’ union leader has gone so far as to declare a wildfire “national emergency” for the UK, while the Met Office has disclosed that Britain is on course for the hottest summer on record.
Several uncommon amber “extreme heat” warnings have been issued for 12 counties spanning London and areas of the South East, East Midlands, East of England, West Midlands and South Yorkshire, effective from 9am Tuesday (August 11) through to midnight on Thursday (August 13).
The alerts caution that temperatures could climb to 33C on Wednesday before rising to peaks of 37C or 38C on Thursday, the Met Office reports.
Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer stated: “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.”
“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.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has additionally issued its own amber heat health alerts, with warnings in place for all regions throughout the UK. The UKHSA’s amber heat health alerts, which are designed to caution Britons when extreme temperatures are likely to affect the health and wellbeing of the population, run from Tuesday (August 11) at 9am through to Friday (August 14) at 9pm.
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright told Times Radio the country is currently facing a national emergency “right now”, with blazes being seen “all across” the UK.
According to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), firefighters have responded to 966 wildfires across England and Wales this year, including 185 during the first 10 days of August alone.
July proved to be 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 blaze in the New Forest, which broke out after a van caught fire on the A31 near Ringwood on Sunday.
The affected area is protected heathland and is 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.”
Only standard weather conditions are required for the remainder of August for the UK to surpass the record for the warmest summer, which was established just last year.
Almost three quarters of England and the entirety of Wales are now experiencing drought, following a record dry July and exceptionally dry beginning to August coupled with elevated temperatures placing strain on water supplies.
Southern Water has submitted an application for an uncommon drought order which would prohibit businesses from non-essential water usage, including washing vehicles and filling non-domestic swimming pools.
The firm stated an “exceptional” absence of rainfall had threatened supplies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
It cautioned that 165,000 residents in the Southampton West supply area could encounter restricted supplies.
Environment Secretary Angela Eagle will determine the application, which would be the first such prohibition since May 2006.
Meanwhile, water stations have been established in Ilford, east London, and Chigwell, Essex, following burst water mains which left properties and businesses without water or with reduced water pressure since Sunday, Thames Water confirmed. Record-breaking heatwaves during May and June resulted in more than 2,800 fatalities, while sections of the nation were affected by additional heatwaves last month as England and Wales witnessed their driest July since records commenced in 1836.
The Environment Agency reported that 71.3% of England is currently experiencing “flash drought”, following a parched beginning to August after the country’s driest July on record.
Flash drought is a phenomenon that emerges extremely rapidly due to a combination of exceptionally low rainfall and elevated 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.”
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