Large portions of western Europe are experiencing another bout of intense heat on Thursday, with the United Kingdom and France facing their fifth heatwaves of a remarkable summer that could potentially set new records. Weather experts in the U.K. are forecasting temperatures to soar up to 38 degrees Celsius in central and southeast England, potentially marking it as the hottest day of the year. The highest temperature recorded this year was 38 degrees Celsius on June 26 in eastern England.
The U.K.’s Met Office stated earlier this week that only average conditions are needed for the remainder of August to surpass last year’s record for the hottest year. Meanwhile, France is expecting even higher temperatures, with central and southern areas forecasted to reach 40 degrees Celsius and 38 degrees Celsius in Paris.
In the United Kingdom, it was highlighted on Thursday that working conditions have been particularly challenging in hospitals, where nurses have reportedly collapsed from heat exhaustion, according to the Royal College of Nursing. Nicola Ranger, the college’s chief executive and general secretary, expressed concern over the impact on nursing staff’s well-being due to the extreme heat.
Both Britain and France are struggling to cope with the current heat levels, lacking widespread air conditioning outside of commercial establishments. Similar to other parts of Europe, these countries are facing severe drought conditions, leading to crop failures and strained water resources for households, agriculture, and the environment.
In southern England, Southern Water has applied for a rare drought order to restrict non-essential water use by businesses, citing an “exceptional” lack of rain that has jeopardized water supplies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. With no significant rainfall in sight, authorities in both countries are on high alert for wildfires.
In the United Kingdom, the dry conditions have led to wildfires, with firefighters working to contain blazes such as in the New Forest in southern England. The National Fire Chiefs Council reported 1,017 wildfires in England and Wales this year, matching last year’s record.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering a ban on disposable barbecues to mitigate the risk of wildfires amid the ongoing heatwave. In France, firefighters are facing staffing and resource challenges due to extreme weather events, with recent fires in regions like Pas-de-Calais and Brittany necessitating their attention.