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LONDON – The United Kingdom experienced its hottest day of the year on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 38.1 degrees Celsius (100.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in west London, according to the Met Office. This latest heat wave is part of an extended period of intense heat affecting much of Europe.
The new peak temperature surpassed the previous high of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) recorded on June 28, though it remains just below the UK’s August record of 38.5 degrees Celsius (101.3 Fahrenheit), set in 2003. Britain, like France, is enduring its fifth heat wave of 2026, with earlier spikes beginning in May. Notably, this year has already seen four days with temperatures at or above 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 Fahrenheit), matching last year’s record for days reaching 38 degrees Celsius.
In France, temperatures have soared even higher, nearing 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit) in regions stretching from Aquitaine in the southwest to the Rhône Valley in the east. Forecasters anticipate that the most intense heat will move eastward away from Britain and France by Friday, with cooler conditions expected to return over the weekend.
The current summer has exposed significant vulnerabilities in both countries’ ability to cope with extreme heat. Air conditioning remains uncommon outside commercial buildings and offices.
In the UK, nurses working in older hospital facilities without adequate cooling have suffered from heat exhaustion, with some even needing medical attention themselves. Nicola Ranger, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that the collapse of healthcare workers due to workplace heat reflects a systemic failure to protect staff.
Meanwhile, drought conditions are worsening across Britain and France, damaging crops, reducing river levels, and straining water supplies for domestic, agricultural, and environmental needs. Southern Water, responsible for water supply in southern England, has requested a rare drought order that would prohibit businesses from nonessential water use, such as car washing and filling non-domestic pools. The decision now rests with Environment Secretary Angela Eagle; if approved, it would mark the first such ban since 2006.
To beat the heat, many residents have flocked to beaches, outdoor pools, and public water features. In Bordeaux, for instance, locals and visitors alike cooled off in the city’s famous water mirror and fountains, while birds also sought relief from the soaring temperatures.
Fire risks remain a critical concern as dry conditions persist. Authorities in both the UK and France remain vigilant for wildfires, while southern Europe has already experienced significant blazes.
In northern Greece, more than 300 people were evacuated by sea Thursday due to a wildfire threatening coastal homes near the Halkidiki peninsula. Firefighting efforts there involve multiple aircraft and hundreds of personnel, with no serious injuries reported.
In the UK, which has seen its traditionally green landscape turn dry and brown, firefighters have been battling a wildfire in the New Forest region of southern England. This year has seen over 1,000 wildfires across England and Wales-matching last year’s record total-highlighting the urgent need for adaptation to changing climate conditions.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced he is considering a ban on disposable barbecues to reduce wildfire risks amid the ongoing heat wave. “We need to get the message out loud and clear,” Burnham said, urging the public to avoid using barbecues outdoors during this period.
French firefighters continue to respond to fires across the country and have signaled potential strikes to demand greater resources and staffing to manage the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Recent fires have erupted not only in the typically vulnerable south but also in northern regions like Pas-de-Calais and Brittany. Last month, a major wildfire devastated forests near Bordeaux, forcing the evacuation of around 250,000 people.
As Europe confronts these escalating challenges, the heat waves and wildfires serve as stark reminders of the growing impact of climate change on the region’s environment and infrastructure.