The United Kingdom saw its highest temperature of the year on Thursday, hitting 38.1 degrees Celsius in west London, according to the national weather service, amidst a prolonged period of hot weather across Europe. The Met Office confirmed that this temperature exceeded the previous high of 38 degrees Celsius recorded on June 26 but remained below the country’s August record of 38.5 degrees Celsius set in 2003.
Both Britain and France are currently in the grip of their fifth heatwave of the year, with the first one occurring in May. This recent intense heatwave in 2026 has marked a record of four days with temperatures above 36 degrees Celsius and two days reaching 38 degrees Celsius.
In France, temperatures have soared even higher, nearing 41 degrees Celsius in multiple regions, from Aquitaine in the southwest to the Rhone River valley in the east. The peak of the heatwave is projected to shift eastwards away from the UK and France by Friday and gradually dissipate over the weekend.
The lack of adequate cooling infrastructure in both countries has been evident, with air conditioning being a rarity outside of commercial spaces. In the UK, healthcare workers have suffered from heat exhaustion due to the extreme conditions in hospitals that lack proper cooling systems, as highlighted by the Royal College of Nursing.
The persistent heat and drought conditions have taken a toll on agriculture and water resources across Europe, causing crops to wither and rivers to dry up. In response, Southern Water in England’s south has applied for a drought order to restrict non-essential water usage, citing an unprecedented lack of rainfall threatening water supplies in certain regions.
With the heightened risk of wildfires due to the dry landscape, firefighting efforts have intensified, including combating wildfires in regions like the New Forest in southern England. The UK has recorded over 1,000 wildfires this year, emphasizing the need for adaptation to the changing climate reality.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is contemplating a ban on disposable barbecues to mitigate the wildfire risk amid the ongoing extreme heatwave. In France, firefighters are facing challenges with staff shortages and resources to combat fires, as demonstrated by recent blazes in regions like Pas-de-Calais and Brittany.