NewsWPLG Local 10 – EspañolAugust 13, 2026Miami-Dade
UK and France face record heat waves and wildfires as drought conditions intensify
The United Kingdom recorded its hottest day of the year at 38.1°C (100.6°F), triggering multiple wildfires in West Midlands and straining public infrastructure. Simultaneously, France and Greece are battling widespread wildfires and extreme heat, leading to emergency evacuations and calls for increased resources for emergency services.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – EspañolWhy It Matters
Extreme heat and drought are causing significant property damage, health risks for emergency responders and hospital staff, and potential water usage restrictions for residents and businesses in the UK and across Europe.
Key Facts
- The UK recorded a temperature of 38.1°C (100.6°F) in west London, the highest of the year.
- West Midlands experienced significant wildfires that destroyed multiple homes.
- One child and three firefighters were hospitalized following a wildfire in Stourbridge.
- The UK has experienced five heat waves in 2026.
- England and Wales have recorded 1,017 wildfires so far this year, matching the total for all of 2025.
- Southern Water has requested a drought order to ban non-essential business water use, the first such request since May 2006.
- In Greece, over 300 tourists and residents were evacuated by sea due to a wildfire in the Halkidiki peninsula.
- French firefighters are threatening to strike to demand more personnel and resources.
- Many UK hospitals lack adequate cooling, leading to reports of nursing staff fainting from heat exhaustion.
Who's Mentioned
organizationNational Fire Chiefs Council“Provided fire incident data”personNicola Ranger“Executive Director and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing”personAngela Eagle“Environment Secretary”personSimon Tuhill“Chief Fire Officer in West Midlands”organizationSouthern Water“Water utility company in southern England”personRichard Parker“Mayor of West Midlands”