Large portions of western Europe are experiencing another heatwave on Thursday, with both Britain and France facing their fifth heatwaves of an extraordinary summer that could potentially set new records. Meteorologists in the U.K. are forecasting temperatures to soar up to 38 degrees Celsius in central and southeast England, possibly marking the hottest day of the year. The highest temperature recorded this year was on June 26, reaching 38 degrees Celsius in eastern England.
The U.K.’s Met Office mentioned earlier this week that average conditions in the remaining days of August could surpass last year’s record for the hottest year. In France, temperatures are expected to climb even higher, with central and southern regions reaching 40 degrees Celsius and Paris hitting 38 degrees Celsius.
In Britain, hospitals are facing challenges with working conditions as nurses have reportedly collapsed from heat exhaustion, according to the Royal College of Nursing. Nicola Ranger, the college’s chief executive and general secretary, expressed concerns about the lack of support for nursing staff when they are struggling due to extreme heat.
The ongoing summer has revealed the lack of preparedness in both Britain and France to handle such extreme heat levels. Air conditioning is uncommon outside of commercial establishments and offices. Drought conditions are widespread across Europe, affecting crops, rivers, and water resources for various purposes like household use, agriculture, and the environment.
Southern Water in Britain has applied for a rare drought order to restrict non-essential water use in some regions due to an exceptional lack of rain, putting supplies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight at risk. The Environment Secretary will decide on the application, potentially enacting the first such ban since 2006.
With dry conditions persisting and no significant rainfall in sight, authorities in Britain and France are vigilant for potential wildfires. In England, firefighters have been combating wildfires, with over 1,000 recorded this year, matching last year’s record. While not as severe as those in other European countries, these incidents emphasize the need for the U.K. to adapt to the changing climate.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is contemplating banning disposable barbecues to reduce the risk of wildfires as the heatwave continues. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of using barbecues outdoors during this period.
French firefighters are also facing challenges, considering a potential strike to demand additional resources to tackle extreme weather events. Recent fires in northern regions of France have underscored the growing threats posed by climate change across Europe.