England: Parts of the UK are bracing for the fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 38C. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat across large parts of England.
The latest spell of hot weather comes as the country continues to face the effects of drought and increasingly severe wildfires. The Met Office has warned that the UK could be heading for its hottest summer on record, following an exceptionally warm June and July.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) stated that firefighters have dealt with 966 wildfires across England and Wales this year, including 185 during the first 10 days of August. Firefighters have faced particularly challenging conditions as dry vegetation and prolonged heat increase the risk of fires spreading rapidly.
⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️
Extreme heat across eastern parts of England
Thursday 0900 – 2359
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/9AgYp9zLdq
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 11, 2026
England drought conditions
Nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales are currently experiencing drought conditions, according to the report. Southern Water has also applied for a drought order that could restrict businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from using water for non-essential activities, including car washing and filling swimming pools.
The extreme weather has prompted the UK government to call an emergency Cobra meeting, the second such meeting this year linked to a heatwave. The government said it would focus on protecting communities, maintaining water supplies, supporting farmers and safeguarding the environment.
Temperatures could reach 33C on August 12 and 38C on August 13, according to the Met Office. The amber warning will cover areas including London, Birmingham, Cambridge, Oxford, Leicester, Nottingham, Lincoln and Sheffield.
The Met Office warned that extreme heat could affect vulnerable people, disrupt travel and place pressure on heat-sensitive infrastructure and equipment. The agency noted that the UK’s second-warmest June and July on record, combined with repeated heatwaves, highlight the growing impact of climate change.
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