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 across Europe. The Met Office confirmed that this temperature exceeded the previous high of 38 degrees Celsius recorded on June 26 but fell short of the UK’s August record of 38.5 degrees Celsius set in 2003.
Both Britain and France are currently facing their fifth heat wave of the year, with the first one occurring in May. In 2026, there have been four days with temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius, setting a new record. Additionally, there have been two days with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius, matching the number from 2022.
Meanwhile, France has seen even higher temperatures, approaching 41 degrees Celsius in various regions from Aquitaine in the southwest to the Rhone River valley in the east. The intense heat is expected to move eastward away from the UK and France on Friday and gradually ease over the weekend.
The ongoing heatwave has exposed the lack of preparedness in both countries to handle such extreme heat levels. Air conditioning is scarce outside of commercial establishments and offices, leading to challenging conditions for many. In the UK, nurses have been affected by heat exhaustion as they work in hospitals housed in older buildings without sufficient cooling systems, as reported by the Royal College of Nursing.
The dry and hot weather has also resulted in widespread drought conditions across Europe, impacting crops and water sources. Southern Water in England has requested a drought order to restrict non-essential water usage due to the exceptional lack of rainfall, particularly in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
With the increased risk of wildfires, authorities in Britain and France are on high alert. In England, firefighters are battling wildfires, with over 1,000 recorded this year alone. Although not as severe as in other European countries, these incidents highlight the urgent need for the UK to adapt to the changing climate.
In response to the heightened wildfire risk, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering a ban on disposable barbecues to prevent further fire outbreaks. The extreme heat poses a significant challenge for both countries, with firefighters in France also facing resource shortages and demanding additional support to combat the escalating climate-related events.