Britain Set For Fifth Heatwave As 2026 Could Become Hottest Summer On Record

Britain is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to reach 38°C in parts of central and southeast England on Thursday, as drought and wildfire risks grow.

The Met Office has warned that temperatures could come close to the August record of 38.5°C, set in 2003. It said earlier this week that even average conditions for the rest of August could make 2026 Britain’s hottest summer on record.

The latest heatwave is adding to pressure on a country not built for long spells of extreme heat. Air conditioning remains uncommon in many homes, while hospitals are facing difficult conditions. The Royal College of Nursing said some nurses have collapsed, felt dizzy or sick, and in some cases needed treatment at the hospitals where they work.

“ When nursing staff are collapsing, feeling dizzy, sick or even being admitted to the very hospitals they work in because their workplaces cannot handle the heat, it shows just how badly they are being failed,” RCN chief executive Professor Nicola Ranger said.

Most of the country is now officially in drought, putting pressure on water supplies, farms and the environment. Southern Water has applied for a rare drought order covering Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. If approved, businesses could face restrictions on non-essential water use, including washing cars and filling non-domestic swimming pools. It would be the first such order since May 2006.

Wildfires are also spreading. The National Fire Chiefs Council says 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales this year, matching last year’s record. The New Forest in southern England has been among the worst-hit areas.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he would consider banning disposable barbecues to reduce fire risks.

“People should not be using those barbecues outside at this moment in time,” Burnham said, as Britain prepares for another spell of extreme heat.