The prime minister, with Andy Burnham chairing, convenes an emergency meeting of the government’s COBRA committee in response to extreme heat across the UK. The move follows reports of widespread wildfires and drought conditions, with firefighters responding to hundreds of blazes since the start of the year.
Officials say the meeting will take place on Wednesday afternoon, with temperatures forecast around 33°C, and higher readings expected on Thursday. The Met Office warns that the UK is on course for its hottest summer on record, with parts of the country facing their fifth heatwave of the summer. Amber “extreme heat” warnings are issued for areas including London, the South East, East Midlands, East of England, West Midlands and South Yorkshire.
Outlets also highlight impacts on public services and communities. A Downing Street spokesperson says the government is focused on protecting communities, water supplies and the environment, and notes challenges for firefighters, farmers and NHS staff. Fire Brigades Union officials describe the situation as a “national emergency,” while the National Fire Chiefs Council reports 966 wildfires across England and Wales this year, including 185 in the first 10 days of August. The government also references additional funding aimed at upgrading firefighting capabilities.
