- The Prime Minister will chair an emergency Cobra meeting on Wednesday afternoon to address the ongoing extreme heat and wildfires affecting the UK.
- The Met Office has reported that the UK is on course for its hottest summer on record, with the country experiencing its fifth heatwave this summer.
- Record-breaking heatwaves in May and June resulted in the deaths of more than 2,800 people across the UK.
- July was noted as the busiest month on record for wildfires, with a total of 458 incidents reported.
- Firefighters have responded to 966 wildfires across England and Wales this year, including 185 in the first 10 days of August alone.
- The UK is currently facing a national emergency due to widespread wildfires, as highlighted by the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union.
- Nearly three quarters of England and all of Wales are experiencing drought conditions, following a record dry July and very dry start to August.
- The government has announced £97 million in new funding to enhance national firefighting capabilities, including the provision of off-road vehicles and specialist equipment.
- The Environment Agency reported that 71.3% of England is experiencing flash drought, which develops quickly due to low rainfall and high temperatures.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to chair an emergency Cobra meeting in response to extreme heat and wildfires affecting the country. The Met Office has issued rare amber warnings for extreme heat, forecasting temperatures of up to 38C on Thursday.12
This meeting follows a record dry July, with 71.3% of England experiencing 'flash drought' conditions. The National Fire Chiefs Council reported 966 wildfires across England and Wales this year, with July marking the busiest month on record.4579
The government has urged the public to heed health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency and to stay hydrated. In an effort to prevent further wildfires, the Prime Minister suggested banning single-use grills and barbecues, which have been linked to many of the fires.
Southern Water has applied for a non-domestic drought order, which would restrict non-essential water use in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, affecting 165,000 residents. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle will decide on this application, marking the first such ban since May 2006.
As the UK grapples with these extreme weather conditions, the government continues to coordinate its response to protect public health and manage resources effectively.
“The meeting comes as firefighters have responded to 966 wildfires this year, with July the busiest month on record. Nearly three quarters of England and all of Wales are in drought, prompting Southern Water to seek a rare ban on non-essential use.”
