The United Kingdom is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the year, with temperatures potentially reaching 36C (96.8F) in parts of England. This follows a series of unusually warm periods that have already led to drought conditions and wildfires across the country.
Yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for several regions, including the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. These alerts are in effect from Saturday morning until Tuesday evening, warning of potential impacts on health and social care services.
The current year is on track to break the annual record for days exceeding 30C. The existing record of 34 days, set in 1995, is nearing its end, as the UK has already experienced 33 days with temperatures at or above 30C. Forecasters anticipate highs of up to 30C on Saturday, climbing into the low 30s on Sunday, and potentially reaching 32C to 34C by Wednesday, with Thursday expected to be the warmest day.
This prolonged period of heat has contributed to significant environmental concerns. England has experienced its driest July since records began, leading to reservoir storage levels dropping to 69%, well below the long-term average. Nineteen counties in England recorded minimal rainfall, 1mm or less, throughout the entire month. This has resulted in exceptionally low water levels in five reservoirs.
The dry conditions have intensified the risk of wildfires. Severe fires have already been recorded in various locations, including Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, Headon Warren on the Isle of Wight, and parts of Wales and Scotland. The Fire Severity Index indicates a high risk of exceptionally severe fires across most of eastern and southeastern England on Sunday.
Amid the ongoing heat and its consequences, the National Trust has launched a petition urging the government to prioritize tackling climate change as a national mission. The current heatwave also provided a moment of unexpected delight for kayakers off the coast of Weymouth, Dorset, who witnessed a dolphin leap nearly 4 feet out of the water.
The weather forecast shows a north-south divide for the weekend, with Scotland and Northern Ireland expected to receive heavy rain, while England and Wales will remain largely dry and warm. The highest temperature recorded this year was 38C in Lingwood, Norfolk, on June 28.