Full Breakdown
UK Government Holds Emergency COBRA Meeting as Heatwave, Wildfires, and Drought Intensify
8/13/2026, 2:03:01 AM
Emergency COBRA Meeting on Extreme Heat
On August 12 Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired an emergency Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBRA) meeting to coordinate the response to extreme heat, wildfires and drought in England and Wales. Ministers from Defra, the Home Office, Health and the Environment Agency attended. The session follows a similar meeting held in June.
Background & Context
The United Kingdom is in its fifth heatwave of 2026. The Met Office warns the summer could be the hottest on record, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid-30s °C and a possible peak of 38 °C on Thursday, matching the June 26 record at Lingwood, Norfolk. 71.3 % of England is in drought, affecting roughly 45 million people and imposing water-use restrictions on over 27 million. Wildfire activity has surged, with 966 incidents recorded in England and Wales so far this year, including 185 in the first ten days of August. July was the busiest month on record with 458 fires.
Data & Statistics
- 71.3 % of England in drought (Environment Agency).
- 45 million people in drought-affected areas; 27 million under water-use restrictions.
- 966 wildfires in England and Wales in 2026; July saw 458 incidents.
- Temperatures forecast up to 38 °C on Thursday; June 26 recorded 38 °C at Lingwood.
- £97 million earmarked for new firefighting equipment.
Official Statements & Responses
A Downing Street spokesperson said the government recognises the challenges faced by firefighters, farmers and NHS staff and will continue actions to keep communities safe and protect water supplies. Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer warned that the peak heat may be short-lived but mid-30s °C temperatures could cause impacts, prompting an amber “extreme heat” warning for large regions. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper thanked NHS staff for coping with the added pressure of hot weather. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle will decide on Southern Water’s application for a non-domestic drought order that could restrict non-essential water use for the first time since 2006.
Criticism & Opposition
Green Party leader Zack Polanski argued the emergency meeting is only a first step and called for actions such as taxing fossil-fuel companies to fund firefighting helicopters, creating “cool spaces” in every community, and imposing a maximum working temperature. He also urged a halt to new oil and gas extraction in the North Sea. Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Pippa Heylings warned that a single COBRA meeting will not extinguish fires or protect communities, calling for a comprehensive national climate-readiness strategy and faster water-management measures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Prime Minister will chair a meeting of COBR – the government emergency committee – this afternoon on the UK's ongoing response to extreme heat, wildfires and drought.” — Downing Street spokesperson
- “Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “While the peak heat will be more short-lived than recent heatwaves, temperatures widely into the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday brings the potential for impacts for some, which is why a Met Office warning has been issued.” — Chris Bulmer, Met Office chief
What’s Next
The government has allocated £97 million for upgrading firefighting capabilities. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle will rule on Southern Water’s drought-order application within 28 days. Forecasts indicate temperatures may remain high into the weekend, with a gradual cooling expected from Saturday onward.
