England Heatwave: 35C Peak Expected

England is anticipating the peak of a significant heatwave, with temperatures in the south-east potentially soaring to 35C (95F) on Thursday. Several locations, including Maidstone, Crawley, and Uckfield, are predicted to experience highs of 34C (93F), while Epsom in Surrey could reach 35C (95F). Nationally, temperatures might climb as high as 38C (100F), a level not seen since August 2020 when temperatures exceeded 36C (97F).

The intense heat is placing a strain on emergency services. South East Coast Ambulance Service has reported an increase in calls for heat exhaustion and collapses. Similarly, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is dealing with a surge in wildfire incidents, with over 1,000 calls nationally for wildfires alone. An amber warning for extreme heat is in effect for a large area between Sheffield and London.

Much of the country, including the entire South East, has been officially declared to be in a drought. Animal parks are adapting to the conditions; for instance, Howletts Wild Animal Park is providing cooling measures like splash pools and frozen fruit for its gorillas. While elephants are accustomed to high temperatures, other animals like European grey wolves are seeking shade and paddling in streams, with keepers offering frozen blood lollies.

Experts note that summers like the current one, which could be the UK's hottest on record if current trends continue, are becoming more frequent. The heatwave of 1976, once a rare event, is now becoming a recurring phenomenon. This indicates a shift towards hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters as the new norm for the UK's climate.