Fire Crews Respond to Wildfire Amid 33°C Heatwave Alerts

Unprecedented Heatwave Hits the UK

Temperatures across the United Kingdom soared above 33°C on Saturday, marking the third heatwave of the year. This extreme weather event affected large regions of the country, with Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales experiencing their warmest days of the year so far. In Cardiff’s Bute Park, the mercury reached 33.1°C, while Aviemore in Scotland recorded 32.2°C. Northern Ireland saw its peak temperature at 30°C in Magilligan.

Although England also faced high temperatures, with Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire hitting 33.1°C, it did not surpass the national record of 35.8°C set in Kent earlier this month. The average temperatures for this time of year in the UK typically range between 18°C and 22°C, making the current heatwave a significant deviation from normal conditions.

The heatwave coincided with growing concerns over drought conditions. A second water company introduced a hosepipe ban on Friday, signaling the need for conservation measures. Amber heat health alerts were issued across several regions, including London, the Midlands, the South East, South West, and the East of England. These alerts will remain in effect until 9am on Monday, as authorities warn of potential increases in deaths, especially among older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions.

In addition to the amber alerts, yellow heat health alerts were issued for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that these areas could face significant impacts on health and social care services.

Wildfires and Fire Safety Measures

Meanwhile, fire crews in Scotland have been dealing with a wildfire in Perth for the second consecutive day. An extreme wildfire warning has been in place for much of Scotland until Monday. Emergency services were alerted to the fire near the M90 in the Craigend area of Perth on Friday afternoon. Six fire engines and a specialist wildfire unit responded to the scene, with police closing the road between Aberdalgie and Craigend.

Raymond King, a group commander with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), urged the public to exercise caution and avoid using anything involving a naked flame. He emphasized the impact of wildfires on rural and remote communities, which can suffer significant damage.

Weather Forecast and Water Restrictions

According to Greg Dewhurst, a senior operational meteorologist at the Met Office, temperatures are expected to remain high in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with highs around 30°C. Wales is anticipated to see temperatures reach 33°C, while parts of England could hit 35°C. On Sunday, the UK is expected to remain mostly dry with sunny spells, with temperatures ranging between 28-30°C in southern parts of England and Wales. The east coast will experience lower temperatures, between 18-22°C. Some evening showers may develop in northern England and Northern Ireland by Sunday evening.

Water companies across the UK have implemented restrictions due to drought concerns. Yorkshire Water introduced a hosepipe ban on Friday following the region's driest spring in 132 years. South East Water also announced a similar ban for more than one million customers in Kent and Sussex. Reservoirs in England were 76% full in June, the lowest level in a decade. Thames Water, serving millions of customers, warned that further restrictions may be necessary unless the weather improves significantly.

Yorkshire Water’s director of water, Dave Kaye, warned that restrictions could last until winter, urging immediate action to conserve water and protect the environment. Customers who violate the ban may face fines of up to £1,000, though the utility hopes such measures will not be necessary.

Public Health and Safety Concerns

Public health officials have raised concerns about the risks associated with the heat. Steve Cole, Policy Director at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, noting a clear rise in heat-related illnesses and fatalities. He also warned that while the air may feel hot, water temperatures can still be dangerously cold, leading to cold water shock even in summer.

Authorities have also issued safety advice for swimmers, emphasizing the importance of supervision, especially for children. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) urged people to avoid entering water to cope with the heat, reinforcing the need for caution during this extreme weather event.