TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Kingdom (UK) is bracing for another surge in temperatures this week as its third heatwave of the year intensifies, while firefighters continue battling wildfires across England and Wales and new research suggests recent periods of extreme heat have contributed to about 2,700 premature deaths.
As reported by BBC, temperatures are expected to climb above 30 degrees Celsius across much of England and Wales, with some areas forecast to approach the mid-30s later this week. Heatwave thresholds could also briefly be reached in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland as humidity increases.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber and yellow heat-health alerts through Tuesday evening, warning of significant pressure on health and social care services. Authorities say older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and other vulnerable groups face the greatest risk during the prolonged spell of hot weather.
The soaring temperatures have also fueled multiple wildfires across England and Wales.
In Conwy, north Wales, a mountain wildfire forced residents of a rural community to evacuate after flames advanced to within about 200 meters of homes. The blaze has been declared a major incident, with firefighters warning it could continue spreading as temperatures rise.
Emergency crews are also responding to major fires near Dovestone Reservoir in Greater Manchester and Tintwistle Moor in Derbyshire, while additional wildfires have been reported in Hampshire, Durham, West Sussex, East Sussex, Devon, and Somerset.
Meteorologists said cooler northeasterly winds briefly eased temperatures on Monday, particularly across central and eastern Britain. However, warmer and more humid conditions are forecast to return by midweek as a low-pressure system over France shifts weather patterns across the UK.
Temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday, with much of England and Wales likely to record highs around 30 degrees Celsius and isolated locations potentially reaching 32 to 33 degrees. Scotland and Northern Ireland could see temperatures between 26 and 27 degrees.
The latest heatwave follows an already exceptional summer. Britain has recorded nine days this year with temperatures of at least 34 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record of seven such days set in 1976 and 2020. Forecasters also expect several "tropical nights," when overnight temperatures remain above 20 degrees Celsius.
According to The Guardian, researchers estimate that heatwaves in May and June caused approximately 2,700 premature deaths across England and Wales. Around 2,200 of those deaths occurred during the June heatwave, while another 550 were linked to the May event.
Scientists estimate that more than 40 percent of the fatalities would not have occurred without the effects of human-induced climate change, which has increased global temperatures by about 1.4 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times.
During the peak of the June heatwave, researchers estimated that extreme temperatures contributed to roughly 440 deaths per day over three consecutive days, highlighting the growing public health risks posed by rising temperatures.
Dr. Clair Barnes of Imperial College London, who led the analysis, said the findings underscore the urgency of preparing communities for more frequent and intense heatwaves.
"We've reached the point where the heat is so extreme that we can't help but acknowledge the impacts it has," Barnes said.
The June heatwave prompted the UK's first three consecutive days of red heat warnings issued jointly by the UKHSA and the Met Office, alerting the public to dangerous conditions that could affect anyone, although elderly people, young children, and those with chronic illnesses remain the most vulnerable.
The UKHSA has previously estimated that more than 10,000 people died from summer heatwaves across Britain between 2020 and 2024.
Climate scientists say continued greenhouse gas emissions are increasing both the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, making adaptation measures and emissions reductions increasingly urgent.
While forecasters expect a possible cooling trend next weekend as northerly winds develop, weather models remain uncertain about how long the relief will last. High pressure could quickly rebuild, allowing heatwave conditions to return in parts of the country, while many regions are expected to receive little rainfall, prolonging dry conditions and maintaining elevated wildfire risks.
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