The whole of Wales has been placed in drought as the UK endures its fourth heatwave of the summer, compounding a season of exceptional dryness, high temperatures and escalating wildfire risk. Health authorities have warned that England appears on course this year for the highest number of heat-related deaths since records began.
Temperatures and records
Across the country temperatures have breached the 35°C mark on multiple occasions this summer. A reading of 35.2°C was recorded at Writtle, Essex, this week, marking the seventh day in 2026 with a high of 35°C or more. Before this year the prior record was five such days, set in 1976 and equalled in 2020.
Major wildfire incidents
Fire services have responded to extensive blazes across the country. On the Suffolk coast a heathland fire at Dunwich Heath led to the evacuation of properties, including a holiday park, and the closure of roads after crews declared a major incident. The blaze covered roughly 100 hectares (250 acres), and affected National Trust and RSPB reserves that support rare birds and other wildlife.
"Firefighters would have all the resources they needed,"
The statement came from Prime Minister Andy Burnham, while a spokesperson for energy firm EDF said the incident was not affecting operations at nearby Sizewell B nuclear power stations, which were being closely monitored.
Fire service warnings and calls for investment
Fire chiefs have highlighted the difficulties of tackling blazes in remote, hard-to-access terrain, noting that fires can smoulder for days in extreme conditions. They have urged both immediate precautions by the public and long-term investment in capability, including:
- Specialist training for crews
- Modern equipment and research into prevention and response
- Improved technology to support firefighting operations
Operational advice from services includes disposing of cigarettes safely, avoiding disposable barbecues and taking litter home to reduce ignition sources.
Health and landscape consequences
Officials warned that the combination of sustained dry conditions and repeated heatwaves is already affecting lives, livelihoods and landscapes across the UK. The season has produced new high-temperature records for the time of year in May and June, and the current pattern of heat and dryness is expected to prolong drought conditions into the autumn unless significant rainfall occurs.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Highest temperature cited | 35.2°C (Writtle, Essex) |
| Days ≥35°C in 2026 so far | 7 days |
| Size of Dunwich Heath fire | ~100 hectares (250 acres) |
Given the pressures on emergency services and the public-health risk from prolonged high heat, continued vigilance is required. Practical actions for residents in affected areas include following local authority advice, avoiding activities that could start fires, staying hydrated and checking on vulnerable neighbours.
