The UK recorded its hottest day of the yr on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 38.1C (100.6F) at Kew Gardens in west London as a robust heatwave continued to grip components of Europe.The provisional studying, recorded by the Met Workplace, surpassed the earlier 2026 excessive of 38C set on June 28. It was additionally the fifth-highest temperature ever recorded within the UK, though it remained beneath the August file of 38.5C set in 2003.Temperatures reached 38C in Pershore, Worcestershire, whereas 40 areas throughout central and southern England recorded 36C or larger. The newest surge means 2026 has already seen a file 4 days with temperatures of at the very least 36C, whereas the UK has matched 2022’s tally of two days reaching 38C.The intense warmth is a part of Britain’s fifth heatwave of the yr, with the primary recorded in Could. Probably the most intense circumstances are anticipated to maneuver eastwards on Friday earlier than easing over the weekend.The warmth has additionally uncovered issues about Britain’s means to deal with more and more frequent excessive temperatures. Air-con stays unusual in houses, whereas many public buildings, together with hospitals, lack satisfactory cooling.The Royal Faculty of Nursing mentioned nurses had collapsed from warmth exhaustion whereas working in hospitals. Nicola Ranger, the faculty’s chief govt and common secretary, mentioned workers turning into dizzy, sick or needing therapy at their very own workplaces confirmed how poorly some hospitals had been outfitted to take care of the warmth.In the meantime, drought circumstances are spreading throughout components of Britain, placing stress on water provides, agriculture and the setting. Southern Water has utilized for a drought order that might prohibit non-essential water use, together with automobile washing and filling non-domestic swimming swimming pools. If authorised, it could be the primary such ban since 2006.Parched circumstances have additionally elevated the chance of wildfires. Firefighters have been tackling a blaze within the New Forest, whereas 1,017 wildfires have been recorded throughout England and Wales this yr — matching final yr’s file complete.Prime Minister Andy Burnham has referred to as for folks to keep away from utilizing disposable barbecues outside amid the heightened hearth threat.France has additionally been hit by excessive warmth, with temperatures approaching 41C in components of the nation. Wildfires have continued to threaten a number of areas, underlining the rising challenges posed by extended warmth, drought and dry circumstances throughout Europe.
