The United Kingdom experienced its highest temperature of the year on Thursday, with west London recording 38.1 degrees Celsius, according to the national weather service. This marks a new peak for 2026, surpassing the previous high of 38 degrees Celsius in June. However, it fell short of the UK’s all-time high of 38.5 degrees Celsius set in 2003.
Both Britain and France are facing their fifth heatwave of the year, with the first one occurring in May. This year has seen a record number of four days with temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius and two days reaching 38 degrees Celsius.
In France, temperatures have soared even higher, nearing 41 degrees Celsius in various regions from Aquitaine to the Rhone River valley. The intense heat is expected to shift eastward away from the UK and France by Friday and gradually diminish over the weekend.
The scorching summer has highlighted the lack of preparedness in both countries to handle such extreme heat. Air conditioning is a rarity outside of commercial establishments, leading to challenges for individuals and healthcare workers. Nurses in UK hospitals have reportedly suffered from heat exhaustion due to inadequate cooling systems.
The prolonged heatwave has exacerbated drought conditions across Europe, impacting agriculture and water resources. Southern Water in England has requested a drought order to restrict non-essential water usage in certain areas, citing a severe lack of rainfall threatening water supplies.
With dry conditions prevailing and no relief in sight, authorities in Britain and France remain vigilant against the risk of wildfires. The UK has witnessed over a thousand wildfires this year, underscoring the growing need for adaptation to changing climate realities.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is contemplating a ban on disposable barbecues to mitigate the risk of wildfires amid the ongoing heatwave. Meanwhile, French firefighters are grappling with increased demand and are considering strike action to address resource shortages in dealing with extreme weather events.