Huge fires have torn through homes in the West Midlands as dramatic footage circulating online showed flames coming from buildings and a golf course.
On the hottest day of the year, with temperatures soaring to 38.1C in Kew Gardens, firefighters were tackling huge fires in the Stourbridge and Stratford-upon-Avon areas.
At Stourbridge golf course, an “extensive grass fire” has spread across roads in places with people urged to stay indoors.
West Midlands Fire Service said that multiple houses were on fire and people had been evacuated from their homes. The organisation said there had been two people injured, affected by the heat and smoke.
Meanwhile, in Stratford-upon-Avon a major incident has been declared at the scene of a wildfire. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service were called at 2.30pm on Thursday to reports of a large plume of smoke on Tothall Lane, Salford Priors.
The Met Office has also issued an amber extreme heat warning for much of England, covering parts of the south and east, as well as swathes of the Midlands.
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Key Points
- Six houses impacted by fire in Stourbridge, two people injured
- Major incident declared at fire in Stratford
- Hottest day of the year declared as temperatures hit 38.1C
- This year has seen record number of days above 36C, Met Office says
- Thunderstorm warnings issued for Northern Ireland
'I'm concerned for the families' - fire chief
19:41 , Alex RossOn the fire in Stourbridge, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said in a statement: “There is an extremely worrying and fast moving situation with multiple fires across our region.
“I’m concerned for the families being asked to evacuate their homes and those whose journeys have been delayed or cancelled – but safety must come first.
“I am being kept up to date by the emergency services and the teams at Network Rail and TfWM (Transport for West Midlands) – and I’d urge people to avoid the area and those in the town to follow the advice of police and firefighters on the ground.
“Our emergency services are doing an amazing job in extreme circumstances and we will continue to give them our full support.”
Mapped: The wildfires scorching the UK during summer of record heatwaves
19:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFirefighters have been battling a major blaze in the New Forest for days as dry and blistering heatwave conditions hamper efforts to contain the inferno.
A fire, spreading across more than 1.6 square kilometres of land, started on 9 August and crews say they expect to stay “for several more days” as they contend with water supply issues and volatile wind conditions, amid a near-nationwide drought.
The ongoing blaze in the New Forest is just one of many wildfires that have broken out across the country this year during what is on course to be the hottest summer on record.
Stourbridge fire in pictures
19:06 , Alex Ross
Six houses impacted by fire in Stourbridge, two casualties
19:04 , Alex RossHuge fires have started tearing through homes in the West Midlands after dramatic footage circulating online showed enormous flames coming from buildings and a golf course.
West Midlands Fire Service said it was facing “extreme levels of demand” due to a fire in Stourbridge on Thursday – with two casualties affected by heat and smoke.
The “extensive grass fire” follows scorching temperatures across the region and other parts of the UK.
The fire service said six houses are affected by the blaze and the incident is estimated to involve about 40 acres of land, including a wood.
Care home residents have also been evacuated alongside others as a result of the fire, Wollaston & Stourbridge Town councillor Andrew Southall said.
Around 60 firefighters attended the scene near Stourbridge golf course after being alerted to the blaze at around 1.30pm.
Footage circulating on social media showed multiple buildings on fire and huge plumes of smoke coming from a nearby field.
Major incident declared at fire in Stratford
19:01 , Alex RossPolice, fire crews and ambulances are at the scene of a wildfire in Warwickshire, which has been declared a major incident.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service were called at 2.30pm on Thursday to reports of a large plume of smoke on Tothall Lane, Salford Priors in Stratford-on-Avon.
“On arrival crews discovered a wildfire which was spreading to nearby out-buildings,” they said.
“There are currently 10 appliances in attendance. This incident has been declared a major incident.
“We would like to express that there is a large emergency presence in the area and we continue to advise residents nearby to close all doors and windows.
“Please stay away from the area. Our control room is receiving a large number of calls, so please contact us only in a genuine emergency.
“It’s imperative that residents take all steps to reduce any fire risk. Please read advice on our social media channels about fire and water safety.
“West Midlands Ambulance Service and Warwickshire Police are also on scene.”
Fragile ‘Excalibur’ sword found in lake after water levels drop amid heatwave
19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAn ‘Excalibur’-esque sword has been discovered poking out of a castle lake after scorching weather caused water levels to drop.
The blade, which was found by volunteers in the lake at Chiddingstone Castle, Kent, resembles the renowned magical sword featured in the legend of King Arthur.
Castle curator Naomi Collick said that it might be a Victorian bandsman's sword dating back to the early 1800s.
You can read more below:
Fragile ‘Excalibur’ sword found in lake after water levels drop amid heatwave
Recap: Heatwaves causing nurses to have seizures as hospital temperatures top 30C
18:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNurses are collapsing on shift while treating patients in conditions exceeding 30C, the Royal College of Nursing has warned.
With the UK on track for its warmest summer on record, nursing staff have suffered seizures and described “dripping with sweat from head to toe” while working.
Concerns have also been raised over patient welfare, with some hospitals described as “unbearably hot” and “not fit for humans”.
You can read more below:
Heatwaves causing nurses to have seizures as hospital temperatures top 30C
In pictures: People struggle in extreme heat in London
18:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Watch: Britons try to keep cool on Hampstead Heath
17:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneComment: We are at red alert for food security – the UK is running out of water
17:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBritain's farmers are paying the price for drought and extreme heat. Unless we invest in water, infrastructure and domestic food production now, the next harvest could expose just how vulnerable our food supply has become, says Mulberry co-founder turned organic farmer Roger Saul.
We are at red alert for food security – the UK is running out of water
'Warm evening ahead' for UK, Met Office warns
16:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe UK is facing a very warm evening as the country crossed the threshold into its hottest day of the year on Thursday.
Forecasters said there will be a mixture of clear skies and cloud, with highs of 26C at 10pm.
Another warm evening ahead for many 🥵
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 13, 2026
Expect a mixture of clear skies and cloud ☁️
The cloudiest conditions will be across the northwest, with showers and outbreaks of rain, occasionally heavy and thundery ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/iOPZdUpo4C
BREAKING: UK experiences hottest day of 2026 so far
16:24 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe UK is experiencing the hottest day of the year so far as temperatures soar to 38.1C in Kew Gardens, according to the Met Office.
It is just the second day this year the country has reached 38C, and is also the fifth hottest day on record.
Temperatures provisionally reached 38.1°C at Kew Gardens, making it the hottest day of the year so far
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 13, 2026
This is the second time this year we have reached 38°C. The only other time this has happened twice in one year was in 2022.
It also makes it the 5th hottest day on record pic.twitter.com/vYvkpXda32
Comment: Forget the credit crunch, we are now in the climate crunch
16:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWe need a Dad’s Army fire brigade to fight back against burning Britain, says Robert Fox.
Forget the credit crunch, we are now in the climate crunch
What is a flash drought? The weather phenomenon affecting two-thirds of Britons
16:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMore than 45 million people are now living in areas under drought conditions as August begins with more dry weather and the fifth heatwave of the year.
More than two-thirds of England is affected, and the entirety of Wales. Only the northern-most regions are not been issued official drought status, but remain in the high-risk ‘prolonged dry weather’ category.
The National Drought Group says that most of the country (71.3 per cent) is now experiencing a ‘flash drought’, owing to the prolonged lack of rain paired with back-to-back heatwaves.
But what exactly is a flash drought? You can find out below:
What is a flash drought? The weather phenomenon affecting two-thirds of Britons
Hottest day of the year declared as temperatures hit 37.8C
15:41 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTemperatures have now hit 37.8C in parts of England.
Charlwood and Pershore have now provisionally reached 37.8°C 🌡️ https://t.co/v7XRVyYyQz
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 13, 2026
60 firefighters tackling large grass fire in West Midlands
15:36 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAround 60 firefighters are currently battling a large grass fire in the West Midlands.
The fire service said flames are spreading “across roads” in places as the fire covers an area of around 40 acres, including a wood.
Six properties are also affected, West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service said.
There are currently no reported casualties.
UK weather forecast: How long will the latest heatwave last?
15:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAs an amber weather warning for "extreme heat” is in force for large parts of the UK there may be some respite with cooler weather and rain forecast in the coming weeks.
Temperatures are expected to hit 35C across the south east and the Midlands and the UK is on track to see its hottest summer since records began.
But by the weekend temperatures are forecast to drop back to about 27C.
The Met Office long range weather forecast suggests weather systems will move across the UK from the Atlantic from next week bringing rain to parts of the country.
You can read more below:
UK weather forecast: How long will the latest heatwave last?
Watch: Europe’s biggest heatwave – But why aren’t people wearing sunscreen?
15:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn pictures: UK grapples with burning heat as temperatures top 37C
15:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Temperatures exceed 37C in parts of England
14:51 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTemperatures have risen above 37C in parts of England this afternoon, the Met Office has said.
The mercury reached 37.7C in Charlwood, near Gatwick Airport, and 37.2C in Wisley, Surrey.
Temperatures have now provisionally exceeded 37°C 🌡️
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 13, 2026
Before 2026, the UK had recorded 37°C or higher on only six occasions. This year alone, we've already reached that mark three times. pic.twitter.com/qs3XNrRxfT
This year has seen record number of days above 36C, Met Office says
14:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTemperatures have risen to 36C or higher in a number of places on Thursday, the Met Office said.
The latest provisional figures mean that 2026 has seen four days at or above 36C, the most days in a single year to meet that threshold.
By early afternoon on Thursday, Charlwood in Surrey had reached 36.7C, Wisley in Surrey was 36.5C, while Teddington in London was at 36.1C and Pershore College, Worcestershire, was at 36C, provisional figures from the Met Office show.
All the train operators affected by extreme heat on Thursday
14:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA number of train operators across the UK are affected by extreme heat on Thursday, with some advising against all but essential travel.
The operators impacted are:
- c2c
- Chiltern Railways - advising to only travel if essential today
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway - advising to only travel if essential today
- Great Western Railway
- Northern
- Transport for Wales
- West Midlands Railway
London bus strikes: When are they and which routes will be affected?
14:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe first wave of “huge disruption” to bus journeys starts this week as more than 1,500 London drivers strike over poor working conditions in hot weather.
Members of the Unite union employed by Arriva North London are set to walk out on 26 dates in August, September and October.
The first of these strikes will take place this week between 4am Friday, 14 August to 4.30am Saturday, 15 August.
In a statement, the union said that drivers have experienced health problems from driving in hot weather, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.
You can read more below:
London bus strikes: When are they and which routes will be affected?
Heatwaves to cost UK economy £4.4bn – but there’s worse yet to come
14:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBack-to-back summer heatwaves have wiped £4.4bn from the UK economy so far this year, new research has found, with warnings further losses are likely as scorching temperatures become the new normal.
The losses come from reduced productivity alongside infrastructure and equipment failures in the heat, the report from think tank Verdant found.
Researchers added that the UK could lose a total of £25.6bn from summer heatwaves in the years to 2030 if temperatures continue to intensify at the same rate seen over the past decade.
You can read more below:
Heatwaves to cost UK economy £4.4bn – but there’s worse yet to come
Where has a hosepipe ban in place?
13:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHow to keep dogs cool in a heatwave – from cooling mats to avoiding damp towels
13:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAs temperatures climb, many of us enjoy the sunshine, but it's vital to remember our canine companions.
Unlike humans, dogs struggle to regulate their body heat efficiently, making them particularly vulnerable during hot weather.
This means pet owners must take extra precautions and provide additional care to ensure their four-legged friends remain safe and comfortable.
To help keep your dog cool this summer, experts have shared essential tips.
You can read more below:
The 11 best tips for keeping dogs cool and safe in a heatwave
When will the heat ease?
13:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe UK’s ongoing heatwave is set to peak on Thursday, with temperatures up to 37C in some areas.
But if you’re struggling to cope, you may be relieved to hear conditions are expected to cool from the weekend.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster David Oliver said: “While Thursday will be the peak of the heat this week, some warmth will remain in the south and southeast on Friday, before easing more widely on Saturday as cooler air spreads south from the northwest.”
Editorial: Andy Burnham must be brave to tackle burning Britain
13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA vast rethink on how this parched and panting land adapts to future hotter summers and wetter winters must be top of the in-tray for the new PM.
Andy Burnham must be brave to tackle burning Britain
The longer read: We’ve hit 37C with millions in drought – and Brits are not ready for what’s to come
12:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWith travel routes paralysed, emergencies declared and more than 1,000 wildfires burning through the UK this year, government adviser Lucy Easthope explains why we need to wake up to reality.
We’ve hit 37C with millions in a drought – and Brits are still in complete denial
Temperatures climb to above 36C already, Met Office says
12:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTemperatures in parts of the UK have risen above 36C already, according to the Met Office.
Charlwood, near Gatwick Airport, has recorded the highest temperature so far of 36.4C.
This is now the ninth day in 2026 with temperatures reaching 35C or more, the forecaster said.
Temperatures have already reached >35°C, and it's only midday
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 13, 2026
This is now provisionally the 9th day in 2026 with temperatures reaching 35°C or more 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/Yz6ERBx9Ks
NHS 'must start planning for summer heat like we do for winter', health secretary says
12:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe health secretary has warned the NHS must start preparing for summer heat the same way it does for the winter.
Health officials said there has been a record 2.5 million A&E attendances last month amid two heatwaves.
Yvette Cooper made the comments after the data was published on Thursday, warning an “additional burden” was placed on the NHS by the heat.
"Today's figures show how much of an additional burden is placed on the NHS during periods of extreme heat," Ms Cooper said.
"I have made clear that we must start planning for summer pressures in the NHS in the same way we do for winter."
Festival goers issued warnings over extreme heat
12:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFestival goers have been warned to stay safe and hydrated as extreme heat hits the UK.
Hampshire County Council has urged those attending Boomtown Festival to drink water regularly, stay out of the sun, and watch out for dizziness and signs of heat-related illness.
Johanna Jefferies, Associate Director, Public Health, Hampshire County Council, said: “We want everyone attending Boomtown to have a safe and enjoyable experience. With warm weather expected, it’s especially important to stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun and look out for the people around you.
“Most heat-related illnesses can be prevented by taking simple precautions such as drinking water regularly, seeking shade and avoiding excessive alcohol. If you feel unwell, don’t ignore it and seek medical help on site if symptoms persist. Looking after yourself and others will help ensure everyone can enjoy the festival safely.”
We’ve had one of the wettest winters on record. Why are reservoirs drying up?
11:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneReservoirs are running low as almost three quarters of England has been plunged into drought, with climate experts warning more must be done to build resilient water infrastructure.
Reservoir storage for England has fallen to 69 per cent, more than 10 per cent below the long term average, the Environment Agency warned last week. Five reservoirs were classed as exceptionally low.
Some 27 million people are under hosepipe bans across the country, despite a rainier than average winter for England, which the Met Office ranked as the eight wettest on record.
But all this comes after one of the wettest winters on record. Dr Glenn Watts, director of water science at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), said the rapid switch from wet to dry conditions seen in England was a sign of the ‘whiplash’ events we could expect due to global warming.
You can read more below:
We’ve had one of the wettest winters on record. Why are our reservoirs drying up?
Recap: Andy Burnham warns of summer ban on disposable barbecues after emergency Cobra meeting
11:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAndy Burnham hinted at a summer ban for disposable barbecues as the prime minister urged retailers to remove the products from sale immediately to reduce the risk of wildfires during the ongoing heatwave.
Calling on "all retailers big and small" to withdraw the products, Mr Burnham said that the severe weather conditions "could be with us for some weeks yet".
It followed a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee, convened to coordinate the response to the prolonged spell of hot and dry weather.
You can read more below:
Andy Burnham warns of summer ban on disposable barbecues
Bus drivers in London set to strike over working conditions in hot weather
11:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBus drivers in London are set to go on strike over working conditions in hot weather as the capital suffers through another heatwave.
The Unite union said more than 1,500 Arriva North London bus drivers were taking industrial action on Friday and multiple other days, over concerns the company is not taking the issue seriously.
Most buses operated by Arriva North London have air cooling systems, which only manage to reduce temperatures by around two or three degrees Celsius rather than more effective air conditioning, the union said.
This means buses are still extremely hot for drivers and passengers, leading to health problems in the sweltering conditions.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The heatwave this week has caused even more problems for our members at Arriva North London, who have once again faced doing a demanding job in unbearable conditions.
“No worker should be made ill by their job.
“This problem is raised year after year and as the summers get hotter it can no longer be swept under the carpet.
“Arriva can afford to act on this serious issue, which puts both drivers and the general public at risk, and it must make this a priority.”
Extreme heat leaving roads sticky, motoring chief warns
11:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDrivers are being warned that the extreme heat is putting the UK’s already deteriorating roads under strain as temperatures are set to soar into the mid 30Cs and above.
The AA said air temperatures in the low-to-mid 30Cs could translate into much higher road surface temperatures as the dark asphalt absorbs and stores heat, causing some roads to soften and leading highways authorities to go out with gritters to stabilise the surface.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “In prolonged hot weather, some road surfaces can soften, become sticky and, in places, start to rut under heavy traffic.
“The main risk for drivers isn’t that roads suddenly melt everywhere, but that already vulnerable patches can become tacky, uneven or start to deteriorate.
“That can affect braking, steering and grip, and can throw up loose material.”
He said the UK already had a major pothole problem and extreme weather – hot summers as well as cold winter conditions – “doesn’t help”.
“This is more than an inconvenience or a repair bill. Potholes and deteriorating surfaces are a road-safety issue,” he warned.
Drivers are being urged to slow down on poorer local and rural roads, look well ahead, leave extra space and expect to encounter substandard surfaces.
Motorcyclists and cyclists should take particular care, Mr King said, as hitting a pothole or suddenly encountering an uneven or softened surface can have very serious consequences for people travelling on two wheels.
Hosepipe ban: When will restrictions end?
10:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHalf of England and parts of Wales are now subject to a hosepipe ban with almost three-quarters of the country plunged into drought.
Officials from the National Drought Group assessed on Monday that 71.3 per cent of the country is now in drought, with the addition of the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Kent, East Sussex, Solent and the South Downs.
That brings the total number of people affected up to 45 million as a fifth heatwave of the summer sweeps through England and Wales.
Nine water companies have announced a hosepipe ban this summer. Although temporary, there is no official date in place for when these bans will end.
You can read more below:
Hosepipe ban: When will restrictions end?
Thunderstorm warnings issued for Northern Ireland
10:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for Northern Ireland as forecasters say storms could bring disruption to the area.
The warning is in place from 11am on Thursday and runs until 6am on Friday.
It covers:
- County Antrim
- County Armagh
- County Down
- County Fermanagh
- County Londonderry
- County Tyrone
Met Office expands amber weather warning
10:31 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Met Office has expanded its amber weather warning for extreme heat as more of the country is set to experience temperatures in excess of 35C.
Forecasters have expanded the warning further west.
All the regions and local authorities under the amber extreme heat warning
10:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSwathes of England are under a rare amber extreme heat warning on Thursday as forecasters warn of the potential for the hottest day of the summer so far.
The regions and authorities covered by the warning are:
East Midlands
- Derby
- Derbyshire
- Leicester
- Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Northamptonshire
- Nottingham
- Nottinghamshire
- Rutland
East of England
- Bedford
- Cambridgeshire
- Central Bedfordshire
- Essex
- Hertfordshire
- Luton
- Norfolk
- Peterborough
- Suffolk
- Thurrock
London and South East England
- Bracknell Forest
- Buckinghamshire
- Greater London
- Milton Keynes
- Oxfordshire
- Reading
- Slough
- Surrey
- West Berkshire
- Windsor and Maidenhead
- Wokingham
West Midlands
- Staffordshire
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands Conurbation
- Worcestershire
Yorkshire and Humber
- North Lincolnshire
- South Yorkshire
Firefighters tackle large blaze on Saddleworth Moor
10:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFirefighters are tackling a large blaze on Saddleworth Moor in Greater Manchester this morning.
Road closures are in place as fire crews battle the flames, with smoke visible across the region.
People have been asked to avoid the area as Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service shared pictures of the incident.
At around 10.25pm last night (Wednesday 12 August), eight of our fire engines responded to a moorland fire near Holmfirth Road, Oldham.
— Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) August 13, 2026
Our crews have brought the wildfire under control, which at its height covered approximately 500 metres by 150 metres, using hose reel jets… pic.twitter.com/V7w0Y8SbKs
Remains of lost village uncovered as drought lowers reservoir levels in record-breaking heatwave
10:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe remains of a lost village demolished and flooded over 50 years ago have been resurfaced as England’s back-to-back heatwaves and dry weather continue to affect water levels.
Nether Hambleton, in the East Midlands, was submerged to create Rutland Water reservoir in the 1970s. It became Europe’s largest man-made lake at the time, with over 3,000 acres of land flooded.
Exceptionally low water levels in the reservoir have now revealed stonework and foundations of the lost buildings, around half a century after they were demolished.
The village was part of the wider parish of Hambleton, which now exists only as Upper Hambleton in the heart of the peninsula at the centre of the reservoir.
Forecaster warns temperatures could reach 38C
09:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA Met Office forecaster has warned that temperatures in parts of England today could reach as high as 38C and impact infrastructure including railway lines and roads.
Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said: “Temperatures (in areas covered by the amber warning) could reach highs of around 36, 37, possibly 38C.
“Now when you get these sorts of high temperatures, well that’s when we could see impacts to our infrastructure, our railway lines, our roads, they are not designed for this sort of heat.
“And more people are likely to be impacted by how hot it is with regards to their health.”
He said there was a slim possibility of Thursday becoming the hottest August day on record, but that this was “actually pretty unlikely”.
“It could be the hottest day of the year so far if we get above 38C, and if we get above 38.5C, well it could be the hottest August day on record, but that’s actually pretty unlikely.”
Watch: Heatwave warning - Britain’s pothole problem could get even worse
09:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMapped: Where drought has been declared in the UK as another heatwave looms
09:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe hot and dry weather is set to peak on Thursday with nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales now suffering from drought conditions.
Temperatures are expected to peak around 37C as a fifth heatwave of the year puts the UK on track for its hottest ever summer.
Some 71.3 per cent of England has been plunged into drought after a record dry July and a very dry start to August, putting immense pressure on water resources for homes and the environment.
Officials from the National Drought Group said on Monday that there are now 45 million people living in drought conditions, with 27 million already under water-use restrictions.
You can read more below:
Mapped: Where drought has been declared in the UK as another heatwave looms
Extreme heat alerts come into force across parts of England
09:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA rare amber extreme heat alert is now in place across parts of England.
The warning, issued by the Met Office, says the heat is “likely” to have adverse health impacts for the most vulnerable, and that the wider population is likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat-related illnesses.
Forecasters also warn of potential disruption to power lines, travel infrastructure, and an increased risk of water safety incidents.
The warning is in place until 23:59 on Thursday evening.
Most of England is now under amber heat health alerts – here’s what that means
08:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts across much of England as Britons brace for the fifth heatwave of the year.
It comes as nearly three-quarters of England is in drought, with the National Drought Group warning that conditions will worsen should there not be "significant and sustained rainfall".
You can read more about what these alerts mean and how to stay safe below:
Most of England is now under amber heat health alerts – here’s what that means
Minister insists government is doing more than stopping disposable barbecue sales to tackle wildfires
08:34 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe government is doing more to stop wildfires than just requesting shops to stop selling disposable barbecues, Baroness Jacqui Smith has said.
Speaking to LBC, the skills minister insisted “quite a lot more” came out of an emergency Cobra committee meeting chaired by prime minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday.
She said: “(There is) additional funding for firefighters with equipment and training to help with some of the wildfires that we’ve seen. We’ve already invested in new reservoirs, for example, to help to protect our water supply.”
Lady Smith added that the government was investing in nine new reservoirs and is working with farmers to help with irrigation issues.
She added: “I think it is fair enough for the prime minister to highlight that all of us have got a responsibility in these really sort of quite difficult, hot times to look after our neighbours, to make sure that you know, we’re keeping our homes cool, and there’s advice about how to do that, and frankly, not having fires or using disposable barbecues where that might be setting fire to things.”
When are weather warnings coming into force and where is covered?
08:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat covering much of London, the Midlands, and parts of the North.
The warning comes into force at 9am on Thursday, with forecasters urging people to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
You can see the full affected area in the map below:
Heatwaves causing nurses to have seizures as hospital temperatures top 30C
08:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNurses are collapsing on shift while treating patients in conditions exceeding 30C, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has warned.
With the UK on track for its warmest summer on record, nursing staff have suffered seizures and described "dripping with sweat from head to toe" while working.
Concerns have also been raised over patient welfare, with some hospitals described as "unbearably hot" and "not fit for humans".
RCN chief executive and general secretary Professor Nicola Ranger said: “When nursing staff are collapsing, feeling dizzy, sick or even being admitted to the very hospitals they work in because their workplaces cannot handle the heat, it shows just how badly they are being failed.”
You can read more below:
Heatwaves causing nurses to have seizures as hospital temperatures top 30C
Train passengers urged to 'only travel if necessary' as temperatures soar
07:53 , Joe MiddletonTrain passengers are being urged to only travel if necessary by some operators today as services will be disrupted because of hot weather.
Chiltern Railways and East Midlands Railway issued alerts to “only travel if essential”.
Other operators will either run a reduced timetable or are warning about the potential for short-notice cancellations.
Northern said it will run fewer trains than normal on some routes in the North West and Yorkshire on Thursday because of the extreme heat.
It told passengers that high temperatures “increase the risk of issues on the railway and with the reliability of our trains”, which means it must make adjustments to its usual timetable “to keep trains running”.
Heat-related issues that can affect the railway include buckled rails, sagging overhead electric wires and lineside fires.Steel rails can exceed 50C when the air temperature is 30C.
Some ticket restrictions have been eased, and passengers are being asked to check for travel updates before setting off, as well as carry water with them to stay hydrated.
Chiltern Railways said temperatures are expected to reach highs of 38C on parts of its network on Thursday.
It will operate a reduce timetable between 11am and 8pm.
What has the Met Office said?
07:31 , Joe MiddletonForecaster Alex Burkill commented: “Temperatures (in areas covered by the amber warning) could reach highs of around 36, 37, possibly 38C.
“Now when you get these sorts of high temperatures, well that’s when we could see impacts to our infrastructure, our railway lines, our roads, they are not designed for this sort of heat.
“And more people are likely to be impacted by how hot it is with regards to their health.”
A very warm start to Thursday, leading to a hot day for many, with an Amber Extreme Heat Warning in force for some areas ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 12, 2026
Plenty of sunshine, although it will be cloudier further north, with showers in the northwest that could turn heavy 🌦️ pic.twitter.com/v8i9cmfA8R
