The United Kingdom experienced its highest temperature of the year on Thursday, hitting 38.1 degrees Celsius in western London, according to the national weather service, amid a prolonged period of hot weather across Europe. The Met Office reported that this surpassed the previous 2026 high of 38 degrees Celsius recorded in June. However, it fell short of the UK’s August record of 38.5 degrees Celsius set in 2003.
Both the UK and France are currently facing 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 and two days reaching 38 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, France has seen even higher temperatures, nearing 41 degrees Celsius in various regions from Aquitaine to the Rhone River valley.
The intense heatwave is expected to move eastward away from the UK and France on Friday and gradually diminish over the weekend. The lack of adequate cooling options in buildings outside of shops and offices has posed challenges for individuals in both countries. Nurses in the UK have suffered from heat exhaustion due to working in hospitals with insufficient cooling facilities, highlighting the need for better heat management strategies.
The dry conditions across Europe have led to widespread droughts, impacting crops and water resources. Southern Water in the UK has applied for a rare drought order to restrict non-essential water use in certain regions due to the exceptional lack of rain. Authorities in both countries are on high alert for wildfires, with firefighters battling blazes in various regions. In England and Wales, a significant number of wildfires have been recorded this year, emphasizing the urgency for adaptation to the changing climate.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering a ban on disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires as extreme heat persists in parts of the UK. French firefighters are also facing challenges and are contemplating strike action to demand more resources to combat the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. A recent fire near Bordeaux forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate their homes, underscoring the severity of the situation.