The UK is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the season, with health alerts issued across England as temperatures climb. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has placed most of England under amber heat health alerts from 9am today until Friday evening, with a yellow alert in the North East. The alerts come as the country experiences drought conditions, with the Environment Agency reporting that 71.3% of England is in a 'flash drought' – a rapid-onset phenomenon caused by very low rainfall and high temperatures.
Temperature Forecast and Public Health Advice
Mercury is expected to reach 29°C in Cardiff, 28°C in Manchester, and 25°C in London today, before rising further in the coming days. Officials urge the public to drink plenty of water, check on vulnerable friends and family, and avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day. The heat alerts cover the Midlands, South East, North West, and South West, while the North East remains under a yellow alert.
New Forest Fire: Crews Battle Blaze
In the New Forest, firefighters have been tackling a major blaze since Sunday, which started when a van fire spread to surrounding heathland, engulfing an area equivalent to more than 140 football pitches. The fire, near Ringwood, forced drivers to flee their vehicles as flames spread rapidly through dry verges. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service reported that crews worked through the night, with a change in wind direction posing challenges. A police drone is being used to identify hot spots and manage flare-ups.
Wildfires Across the UK
Crews in South Wales are also battling multiple wildfires, including at Cwmavon Woods in Blaenavon, Wattsville in Sirhowy Valley, and Abernant in Aberdare. The Fire Brigades Union highlighted the scale of the problem, stating: 'In the last 48 hours, we’ve seen major wildfires in Nottinghamshire, Hampshire, South Wales, and Suffolk. This is not bad luck. This is climate change, and firefighters are on the frontline.'
Drought Conditions Spread
The Environment Agency has declared drought in several new areas, including the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Kent, East Sussex, and the Solent and South Downs. Scenes of dry, savannah-like grass are becoming common across England, as the record-dry July has left the ground parched.
