NewsWPLG Local 10August 13, 2026Miami-Dade
Western Europe faces record heat waves and widespread wildfire emergencies
Record-breaking temperatures across Britain and France have triggered multiple wildfires, hospital staff heat exhaustion, and emergency drought measures. Authorities are managing evacuations in Greece and considering water usage restrictions in southern England as extreme weather conditions persist.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
Residents in affected regions face immediate risks to property from wildfires, potential water usage bans for businesses, and health hazards due to inadequate cooling in public buildings.
Key Facts
- The U.K. recorded its hottest day of the year at 38.1 degrees Celsius (100.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
- 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales so far this year.
- Southern Water has applied for a drought order to ban nonessential business water use, such as car washing and filling swimming pools.
- Temperatures in parts of France reached 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit).
- More than 300 people were evacuated by sea in northern Greece due to a wildfire near the Siviri resort.
- A child and three firefighters were hospitalized following a wildfire in Stourbridge, U.K.
- 2026 has recorded four days with temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius or higher.
- The Royal College of Nursing reported that nursing staff are collapsing from heat exhaustion in hospitals lacking adequate cooling.
Who's Mentioned
organizationNational Fire Chiefs Council“Provided wildfire data for England and Wales”personNicola Ranger“Chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing”personAngela Eagle“Environment Secretary”personSimon Tuhill“Chief fire officer in the West Midlands”personAndy Burnham“British Prime Minister”organizationSouthern Water“Water supplier for southern England”personRichard Parker“West Midlands mayor”