UK PM to chair emergency meeting on heatwaves, drought

Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to chair an emergency response committee meeting on Wednesday to tackle the nation's escalating heatwave, wildfires, and drought. This comes as the country braces for its fifth heatwave of the year, with temperatures predicted to soar to around 37°C in southern and eastern England and the Midlands from Thursday.

Fire chiefs have been busy, responding to 966 wildfires across England and Wales this year. The first 10 days of August alone saw 185 incidents. The agricultural sector is also feeling the strain, warning of significant impacts on production due to the prolonged dry weather.

"We will continue to take the action needed to keep communities safe, protect water supplies, support farming communities and safeguard the environment," a Downing Street spokesperson stated. Much of Britain is experiencing a "flash drought," a condition intensified by very low rainfall and high temperatures. July was the driest on record for England and Wales in 190 years, according to the Met Office.

Government figures indicate that approximately 45 million people are living in drought-affected areas, with 27 million facing restrictions on their water usage. Health authorities reported last month that an estimated 2,877 people in Britain have died from heat-related causes this year. Scientists attribute the prolonged dry weather, in part, to climate change, which is impacting agriculture, public water supplies, and wildlife.

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We will continue to take the action needed to keep communities safe, protect water supplies, support farming communities and safeguard the environment.