▲ Heatwave in London
Britain, which has experienced severe heatwaves this year, has been struck by its fifth heatwave.
According to the UK Met Office and a report by the BBC, the daytime high temperature soared to 38.1°C (101°F) at Kew Gardens in Richmond, western London, on the 13th local time.
This breaks the previous high for the year of 38°C (100°F) recorded in Ringwood, Norfolk, during the heatwave on June 26.
It also comes close to the UK's all-time record high of 38.5°C (101°F) set in 2003, marking the fifth-highest temperature on record.
Daytime highs also climbed to 37.8°C (100°F) in Charlwood, a village near Gatwick Airport in Surrey just south of London, and in Pershore, Worcestershire.
With heatwaves exceeding 35°C (95°F) striking from May through August, the UK set a new record by seeing peak temperatures top 35°C for four consecutive months for the first time.
In addition, the number of days this year with peak temperatures surpassing 36°C (97°F) has increased to four, making it the highest on record since record-keeping began in 1884.
Consequently, some railway companies are reducing train services.
Experts point out that because Britain generally has lower average temperatures than other Western European countries, air conditioning penetration is very low and the country is poorly prepared for heatwaves.
Citing the Royal College of Nursing, the Associated Press reported that there have been cases of nurses collapsing from exhaustion due to the heat in hospitals.
General Secretary Nicola Ranger said, "Nursing staff are fainting, feeling dizzy, and being admitted to the hospitals where they work," adding that this is because hospitals are failing to manage the heatwave properly.
Britain is suffering from a triple blow of heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires.
UK environmental authorities have officially classified more than 70% of England and all of Wales as being in a state of drought.
Southern Water, which supplies water to the southern region of England, has applied to the government to issue measures banning non-essential water use at businesses.
If approved, it would be the first time since May 2006.
Professor Tim Palmer of the University of Oxford warned that if rain does not fall through this autumn and winter, "2027 will be a catastrophic year for Britain."
Wildfires occurring across England and Wales this year have reached 1,17 cases, matching last year's all-time high.
According to Sky News, over 20 major wildfires broke out in the past 24 hours alone, scorching 29 square kilometers.
This is the largest scale for wildfires occurring within a single 24-hour period this year.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who presided over the government's emergency disaster response meeting known as COBR the previous day, stated that the government is considering banning the use of disposable barbecues outdoors due to wildfire risks.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.