The United Kingdom experienced its highest temperature of the year on Thursday, hitting 38.1 degrees Celsius in west London, according to the national weather service. This comes as a prolonged period of hot weather continues to affect Europe. The Met Office confirmed that this temperature surpassed the previous high for the year, which was 38 degrees Celsius recorded on June 26. However, it remained below the August record of 38.5 degrees Celsius set in 2003.
Both Britain and France are currently in the grip of their fifth heat wave of the year, with the first one occurring in May. In 2026, there have been a record four days with temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius. Additionally, there have been two days reaching 38 degrees Celsius, matching the figures from 2022.
In France, temperatures have soared even higher, nearing 41 degrees Celsius in various regions from Aquitaine in the southwest to the Rhone River valley in the east. The most intense heat is expected to shift eastward away from the UK and France on Friday and gradually ease over the weekend.
The ongoing heatwaves have exposed the lack of readiness in both countries to deal with such extreme heat conditions. Air conditioning is scarce outside of commercial establishments and offices. In the UK, reports have emerged of nurses collapsing from heat exhaustion while working in hospitals located in old buildings without adequate cooling systems.
The dry spell is widespread across Europe, leading to drought conditions that have affected crops and water sources. In southern England, Southern Water has applied for a rare drought order to restrict non-essential water use due to the exceptional lack of rainfall threatening supplies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Authorities in the UK and France are on high alert for wildfires as the dry conditions persist. In England, firefighters have been battling wildfires, with over 1,000 recorded so far this year, matching last year’s total. Although the UK’s fire incidents are not at the same level as those in other countries like France, Greece, and Spain, they underscore the necessity for the UK to adapt to the changing climate reality.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is contemplating a ban on disposable barbecues to mitigate the risk of wildfires amid the ongoing heatwave. The situation has prompted French firefighters to consider striking for more resources and staff to handle the escalating weather challenges. Recent fires in northern France have added to the urgency of enhancing firefighting capabilities in the face of extreme weather events.