UK heat wave hits record 35°C days, extreme wildfire risk

A record-breaking heat wave continues to grip the United Kingdom, with 2026 becoming the first year on record to see temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) on six separate days. Emergency services are warning of extreme wildfire risks and water companies are imposing hosepipe bans across several regions as the prolonged dry spell shows no sign of abating.

The latest peak of 35.2 degrees Celsius was recorded on Friday, July 10, in Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire. That same evening, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service was battling two wildfires on moorland near Glossop and Tintwistle Moor. In London, a trackside fire at Stratford Station caused rail line closures before being brought under control. The London Fire Brigade has now elevated its wildfire risk assessment for the capital from "elevated" to "extreme" from Saturday, July 11, through Monday, July 13, driven by prolonged dry weather, heat, and wind. Officials have urged the public not to use disposable barbecues.

Forecasters from the Met Office state that areas of central and southern England and Wales will see several more consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Saturday is...