A scorching heatwave is expected to envelop the United Kingdom over the weekend, maintaining the trend of record-breaking temperatures. The mercury is forecasted to reach 35C on Friday and potentially rise to 36C today in the southern and western regions of England, marking 2026 as the first year to witness temperatures hitting 35C on six different days.
Even regions as far north as Yorkshire are preparing for temperatures reaching 33C today, based on recent weather maps depicting above-average temperatures across the country. Emergency services are on high alert for an increased risk of “extreme” wildfires due to the dry heat.
The London Fire Brigade has cautioned against using disposable barbecues during the summer heat to prevent fire incidents. Concerns are not limited to the fire service alone as the Metropolitan Police anticipates a surge in calls, especially with England scheduled to compete against Norway in the quarter-final of the Fifa World Cup tonight.
While the match is set to take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, at 10pm BST, extreme weather conditions are affecting other parts of the world as well. The US National Weather Service has predicted temperatures feeling as hot as 43C with thunderstorms and lightning also expected.
FIFA regulations mandate a suspension of play if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, potentially leading to a delay in the match. The Metropolitan Police is advising the public to refrain from contacting them for non-emergencies amid a rise in emergency calls during the hot weather and football event.
Deputy Metropolitan Police commissioner Matt Jukes has urged the public to limit non-essential calls to allow officers to respond to critical situations promptly. The police emphasized that 999 should only be dialed in case of immediate life-threatening emergencies, violence, or ongoing criminal activity.
