Prime Minister Andy Burnham will chair an emergency Cobra meeting as extreme heat continues to affect communities across the UK.
The meeting will take place on Wednesday afternoon as temperatures rise across much of the country. Ministers, officials and emergency agencies will discuss the growing impact of the weather. Temperatures could reach 33C on Wednesday in several areas. Forecasters expect temperatures to climb as high as 38C on Thursday.
Representatives from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will attend the meeting. Officials from the Home Office and Department of Health will also join discussions. The Environment Agency will also take part in the emergency talks. Together, officials will review the country’s response to heat, wildfires and drought.
This will mark Burnham’s first Cobra meeting since becoming prime minister. However, ministers already held a similar meeting during a heatwave in June. Downing Street said firefighters, farmers and NHS workers face serious challenges because of the current conditions. The government also promised further action to protect communities and essential resources.
Meanwhile, the Met Office has warned that the UK could record its hottest summer ever. Several regions now face their fifth heatwave of the summer. Forecasters have issued rare amber extreme heat warnings for Thursday. The warnings cover London and parts of southern and central England.
Affected areas include the South East, East Midlands and East of England. West Midlands and South Yorkshire will also face the warning. The alert will remain in place from 9am until midnight on Thursday. Officials have urged residents to take the warnings seriously.
The government has also encouraged people to follow health advice during the hottest periods. Residents should drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Officials also want people to check on relatives, friends and neighbours who may face greater health risks. Older people and vulnerable residents could face particular dangers during extreme temperatures.
The latest heat also comes alongside a growing wildfire problem. Fire crews across England and Wales have already tackled hundreds of fires this year. The National Fire Chiefs Council recorded 966 wildfires across England and Wales. Crews dealt with 185 incidents during the first ten days of August.
July also became the busiest month on record for wildfires. Authorities recorded 458 incidents during the month. Firefighters in Hampshire continue battling a major blaze in the New Forest. The fire began after a van caught fire near Ringwood on Sunday.
Flames later spread from the road towards protected heathland. The area supports several rare species and environmentally important habitats. Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, has described the situation as a national emergency. He also raised concerns about firefighting equipment and protective clothing.
Wright argued that some firefighters lack modern equipment for prolonged wildfire operations. He also called for better protection against the intense heat generated by large fires. The government says it has allocated £97 million for national firefighting improvements. The funding will support specialist equipment and off-road vehicles.
At the same time, drought conditions continue placing pressure on water supplies. Nearly three quarters of England currently sits within drought conditions. Wales has also entered drought conditions across the entire country. Dry weather and high temperatures have intensified pressure on rivers, reservoirs and other water sources.
Southern Water has requested an emergency drought order for parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The proposed restrictions could prevent businesses from using water for non-essential activities. The company has warned that around 165,000 people could face restricted supplies. The Environment Secretary will decide whether to approve the request.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency says 71.3% of England now faces flash drought conditions. Such droughts can develop rapidly when rainfall remains low and temperatures rise. The current crisis follows an exceptionally dry July. England recorded its driest July since records began in 1836.
Earlier heatwaves also created serious health pressures. Record temperatures in May and June contributed to more than 2,800 deaths. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper thanked NHS workers for managing additional pressure during hot weather. She also urged people to remain aware of official warnings.
The latest government response comes as authorities manage several connected risks. Wildfires, drought and high temperatures continue placing pressure on public services. Consequently, Wednesday’s Cobra meeting will bring several government departments together. Ministers will assess immediate risks while considering measures to protect communities.
Burnham’s government also faces pressure to support firefighters and maintain water supplies. At the same time, officials must prepare for further temperature increases. For now, forecasters expect the hottest conditions to arrive on Thursday. Authorities continue urging the public to follow health guidance and avoid unnecessary risks.
The government says it will continue monitoring conditions closely. Ministers will also work with emergency services as the UK faces another difficult period of hot weather.
For more updates on this news, follow London Pulse News.
