Heatwave Peaks at 35C Amid Severe Wildfire Warnings
Britain sweltered through the peak of its fourth heatwave on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching around 35C under amber heat-health alerts across much of England. Fire chiefs warned of a “severe” wildfire risk after more than 200 blazes in the past fortnight, urging the public to take extra care. Health officials warned of a likely rise in deaths among the elderly and vulnerable.
The heat strained the country’s infrastructure, with rail operators warning of possible speed restrictions to stop tracks buckling and hospitals bracing for a rise in heat-related admissions. Tinder-dry conditions have left much of the country primed to burn, echoing the deadly wildfires sweeping southern Europe. Forecasters expect cooler, more unsettled weather to bring relief later in the week. For a nation poorly adapted to sustained heat, the strain has again been laid bare. Watch whether the alerts are lifted as temperatures ease.