Spain battles to contain one of its deadliest wildfires as at least 12 killed

An amber heat health alert has been extended across parts of England and Wales as the UK experiences its hottest summer on record, with 2026 marking the first year to see temperatures of 35°C recorded on six separate days. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued warnings about the potential strain on health and social care systems, citing concerns over rising mortality rates, especially among individuals aged 65 and older or those with pre-existing medical conditions. The alert covers the West Midlands and the South West regions, remaining active from 9 am on Sunday until 9 pm on Wednesday. Yellow heat health alerts have also been issued for the East Midlands, the North West, the South East, the East of England, and London, with similar warnings of possible significant impacts across these areas. The Met Office has predicted that Saturday will bring temperatures ranging from 32 to 34°C in Wales and southwest England. Despite the heat, the agency has noted that there could be thunderstorms in parts of the south starting from Monday. However, the overall forecast suggests a continuation of very dry weather throughout the week. According to Met Office deputy chief forecaster David Hayter, central and southern England and Wales can expect several more consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 30°C. While temperatures are anticipated to reach the low to mid-30s through the weekend, the focus of the heat will gradually move toward the western parts of the UK. This shift will bring slightly cooler and cloudier conditions to eastern coastal areas compared to previous days, while southern areas will experience increased windiness, particularly along coasts and headlands. Northern Scotland stands as an exception to the generally dry and sunny conditions, with a cold front bringing rain, clouds, and some heavy downpours on Friday. However, the situation is expected to improve over the weekend. The Met Office confirmed the new temperature records after temperatures reached a peak of 35.2°C at Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire, on Friday afternoon. In response to the extreme heat, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue (DFR) reported that it was currently battling two wildfires in the area. One fire broke out near Arnfield Farm in Glossop, and another was ongoing in Tintwistle Moor. In addition to the wildfires in Derbyshire, a trackside blaze involving shrubbery occurred at Stratford Station in London around 7 pm on Friday, leading to the closure of the rail line. By approximately 9:30 pm, the fire had been brought under control. London Fire Brigade (LFB) used the incident to emphasize the heightened risk of wildfires during the current heatwave. The LFB's latest assessments indicate that the risk level in London will escalate from "elevated" to "extreme" from Saturday to Monday, influenced by factors such as prolonged dry weather, high temperatures, and increasing wind speeds. LFB assistant commissioner Tom Goodall urged residents to enjoy the heatwave responsibly while being mindful of the associated dangers. As the heat continues to affect the UK, authorities have called for caution and responsible behavior. The Metropolitan Police has advised the public to refrain from contacting emergency services for non-emergency matters, given the surge in 999 calls during the hot weather. With temperatures expected to remain high and the risk of wildfires increasing, the emphasis is on preparedness and awareness among the population. The combination of heat, dry conditions, and potential thunderstorms presents a complex set of challenges for both emergency responders and the general public. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on mitigating the impact of the heatwave on communities and ensuring safety measures are effectively implemented.