UK extreme heat prompts Cobra emergency meeting
Summary
The UK government is holding a special emergency meeting to deal with extreme heat causing wildfires and drought across the country. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 38°C (100°F), and many parts of England and Wales are experiencing severe water shortages and wildfire risks.Key Facts
- The UK prime minister will chair a Cobra emergency committee meeting about the heatwave on Wednesday.
- Temperatures are forecast to hit 33°C on Wednesday and up to 38°C on Thursday in some areas.
- This is the second Cobra heatwave meeting this year, involving ministers and agencies like Defra, the Home Office, the NHS, and the Environment Agency.
- The Met Office has issued rare amber “extreme heat” warnings for London, the southeast, Midlands, and South Yorkshire.
- Nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales are under drought conditions due to very dry weather and heat.
- Firefighters have dealt with nearly 1,000 wildfires across England and Wales this year, with July as the busiest month on record.
- Southern Water might ban businesses from using water for non-essential tasks because of supply threats affecting up to 165,000 people.
- The Environment Agency reports that 71.3% of England is in “flash drought,” a fast-developing drought caused by little rain and high heat.
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