Parts of England experienced temperatures reaching up to 29C today, while firefighters faced challenges due to limited resources during the heatwave.
The Met Office predicted scattered clouds in the north with some light rain and occasional showers in Scotland. Despite this, warm temperatures are expected, especially in England and Wales. London is forecasted to reach highs of 30C, with Cardiff slightly cooler at 29C.
Firefighters from various regions traveled to Holt Heath, Dorset, to assist in combating a significant wildfire, highlighting the need for more firefighting resources.
Ben Selby, assistant general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, expressed concerns about the impact of years of budget cuts on firefighting services. He mentioned the loss of firefighter positions, decommissioned fire engines, and closed fire stations, leading to a lack of preparedness.
According to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, a wildfire covering 72 hectares continued overnight, with crews addressing flare-ups and hotspots using drones due to challenging weather conditions.
Emergency crews from Merseyside, South Wales, Greater Manchester, and other areas were deployed to support local firefighting efforts.
Yellow weather warnings are in effect for various regions in England until August 18, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
The upcoming weekend is expected to be dry and sunny in most parts of the UK, with temperatures around 30C on Saturday and 29C on Sunday in southwest England.
The ongoing high temperatures have led to an increase in vehicle breakdowns, particularly due to overheating tires. The RAC reported a 10% rise in breakdown calls this week compared to the previous week.
RAC breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson advised drivers to take precautions to prevent breakdowns, especially focusing on tire maintenance in response to rising temperatures. She highlighted the importance of checking tire pressure and condition before long journeys, especially for vehicles exposed to direct sunlight.
[End of rewritten article]
