Large parts of western Europe are reeling under sweltering heat as Britain is poised for its fifth heat wave of an exceptional summer that is expected to be the hottest on record. Weather forecasters have predicted mercury to rise to 38 degree Celsius in central and southeast England, falling just short of the August record of 38.5 degree celsius recorded in the year 2003.
Britain is largely not equipped to deal with these levels of heat. Air conditioning is a rarity outside of shops and offices. Meanwhile, wildfires have been blazing uncontrollably, most notably this week in the New Forest in southern England. According to data from the National Fire Chiefs Council, over one thousand wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales this year. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will consider imposing a ban on disposable barbecues amid the risk of further wildfires as extreme heat continues to grip parts of the UK.
