- The UK is preparing for its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to reach 36C or higher across England and Wales on Wednesday and Thursday.
- The Met Office is considering issuing rare amber or red extreme heat warnings in response to the anticipated scorching temperatures.
- Expected impacts include potential disruptions to railway lines and power networks, alongside significant health risks for vulnerable people.
- Half of England and all of Wales are currently experiencing drought conditions, with more regions potentially facing declarations, and over 25 million people are under water restrictions, including hosepipe bans.
- This summer has already been marked by multiple record-breaking heatwaves, the driest July in England and Wales since 1836, and has been linked to over 2,800 excess deaths.
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