Heat health alerts in force as UK faces fifth heatwave
Heat health alerts have come into force as the UK braces for the fifth heatwave of the year, with almost three-quarters of England in drought.
The UK has entered its fifth heatwave of the year, prompting heat health alerts across almost three-quarters of England, which is experiencing a severe drought. Temperatures are forecast to soar to the mid-30s in some areas on Thursday, with Cardiff reaching 29C, Manchester 28C and London 25C. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for most of England, including the Midlands, southeast, northwest and southwest, while a yellow alert is in force for the northeast.
The Environment Agency (EA) reported that 71.3% of England is experiencing flash drought, a rapid onset of drought conditions due to low rainfall and high temperatures. Flash drought has now spread to areas such as the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Kent, East Sussex and Solent and the South Downs. Firefighters have been battling multiple wildfires across the UK, including one in the New Forest National Park, while the Environment Agency warned of a potential impact on cargo shipping due to low water levels on the Rhine river in Germany.
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