Fifth Heatwave Builds as Drought Set to Widen
Britain is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to climb towards 36C this week and drought expected to be extended to more of England. Heat-related disruption has already hit some rail services. It follows a record run of days above 30C and a spate of wildfires on tinder-dry ground.
The renewed heat will pile fresh strain on health services, transport and water supplies stretched by a summer of records, and sharpen the wildfire risk that has already forced fire services to declare major incidents. Amber alerts warn of a likely rise in illness and deaths among the elderly and vulnerable, and forecasters have not ruled out red warnings if the peak is severe. Water companies have urged restraint as reservoirs run low and bans spread. Farmers warn the conditions are damaging crops and will push up food prices. Watch how high temperatures climb and whether alerts are raised to red.