UK heatwave drives record temperatures and widespread wildfire emergencies

2026 has become the first year in Britain to record temperatures of 35 °C on six separate days, with peaks of 95 °F (35 °C) recorded across the country. The Met Office warns the heatwave will continue into the next week, keeping much of England and Wales above 30 °C and prompting amber and yellow heat‑health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency.

Extreme heat has pushed fire risk to an "exceptional" level in southern England, the Midlands and parts of Wales. Natural England identified these areas as the highest‑risk zones, while fire services have been battling multiple wildfires – from moorland blazes in Derbyshire and Greater Manchester to a major incident declared in north Wales where residents near Conwy Mountain were evacuated. London Fire Brigade, Derbyshire, and other regional crews have also fought track‑side and heathland fires, some threatening rail lines and homes.

The dry spell has led water companies to impose hose‑pipe bans in the east of England, Cambridge, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Kent, and has been linked to several water‑related deaths. Emergency services have issued public safety advice, urging people to avoid disposable barbecues, limit non‑essential 999 calls, and stay vigilant for sudden thunderstorms expected later in the week.