NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 13, 2026Miami-Dade
U.K. and France face record heat waves and wildfire emergencies
The U.K. recorded its hottest day of the year as wildfires destroyed homes in the West Midlands, prompting the Prime Minister to pledge additional resources for fire services. Meanwhile, Southern Water has applied for a drought order to restrict nonessential water use, and extreme heat continues to impact public health and infrastructure across Western Europe.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
Residents in the U.K. face potential water usage restrictions and ongoing wildfire risks, while public health services are struggling to manage heat-related exhaustion in aging, uncooled facilities.
Key Facts
- The U.K. recorded its hottest day of the year at 38.1 degrees Celsius (100.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in west London.
- 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 water use by businesses, such as car washing and filling swimming pools.
- A child and three firefighters were hospitalized following a wildfire in Stourbridge.
- Temperatures in France reached up to 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit).
- 2026 has recorded four days with temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius or higher.
- More than 300 people were evacuated by sea in northern Greece due to a wildfire near the Siviri resort.
- The Royal College of Nursing reported that nursing staff are collapsing due to 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 for the West Midlands”personAndy Burnham“British Prime Minister”organizationSouthern Water“Water utility provider in southern England”personRichard Parker“West Midlands mayor”