Overview
- The prolonged heatwave continues into next week with many areas staying above 30°C and multiple 35°C-plus days recorded this summer, and UKHSA amber and yellow heat-health alerts have been extended.
- The Natural Hazards Partnership and fire services have issued red or exceptional wildfire warnings for parts of southern and central England while London’s risk of fast-spreading grass and park fires is rising.
- Health and emergency services are under sustained strain from heat-driven demand, with NHS ambulance pressure, record A&E attendances in June, dehydration cases needing IV treatment, and water-related deaths reported.
- Transport and infrastructure have been disrupted by the heat through melting tarmac, overheated rail tracks and trackside fires that have closed lines and slowed services.
- Whitehall sources have told reporters that ministers have broadly accepted the CCC’s adaptation advice, including plans to add cooling in hospitals and care homes, but the committee’s estimated £11bn-a-year adaptation bill and timelines for delivery remain unresolved.