The government has scheduled an emergency Cobra meeting chaired by Prime Minister Andy Burnham to respond to ongoing extreme heat conditions affecting Britain. The meeting comes as temperatures are expected to reach 33C on Wednesday and potentially 38C on Thursday, with amber extreme heat warnings issued for multiple regions including London and parts of the south-east, East Midlands, and other areas.
The UK is currently experiencing its fifth heatwave of the summer, and has set a new record for the number of days reaching 30C in a calendar year, reaching 35 days and surpassing the previous record of 34 days established in 1995. The extreme conditions have triggered widespread wildfires across the country, described as the most extensive the UK has ever experienced. Firefighters have responded to over 950 wildfires in England and Wales this year, with July marking the busiest month on record and August already showing concerning trends with 185 incidents in its first 10 days.
The crisis extends beyond fire risks, as nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales are experiencing drought conditions following a record dry July and very dry early August. Burnham has raised the possibility of restricting disposable barbecues, citing their role in causing wildfires, and emphasized the need for public awareness about fire safety measures. Government representatives from multiple departments including Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Health and Social Care, and Housing are expected to attend, along with officials from the Met Office, Environment Agency, and UK Health Security Agency.
Stakeholders including the Green Party and Fire Brigades Union have called for more comprehensive climate adaptation measures, with critics noting that the UK has lagged in implementing immediate climate adaptation policies. The Fire Brigades Union has warned of an unprecedented summer and noted that many firefighters lack modern equipment needed to respond effectively to these volatile fire conditions. The government has advised the public to follow heat alerts, maintain hydration, and check on vulnerable individuals during the extreme weather period.
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