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England and Wales Face Fifth Heatwave Peak, Restrictions

8/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Temperature hit 38.1 °C at Kew Gardens on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the peak of the fifth heatwave.
Drought affected 70 % of England and Wales, placing 27 million people under restrictions and prompting an alert on Friday, August 14, 2026, banning barbecues, campfires and fireworks.
Senior scientist Mike Kendon warned a sixth heatwave could arrive in August, while Met Office forecast temperatures to drop 10-15 °C by Sunday, August 15, with highs of 16-24 °C.

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Story summary

Temperature hit 38.1 °C at Kew Gardens on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the peak of the fifth heatwave.
Drought affected 70 % of England and Wales, placing 27 million people under restrictions and prompting an alert on Friday, August 14, 2026, banning barbecues, campfires and fireworks.
Senior scientist Mike Kendon warned a sixth heatwave could arrive in August, while Met Office forecast temperatures to drop 10-15 °C by Sunday, August 15, with highs of 16-24 °C.