The United Kingdom saw its highest temperature of the year on Thursday, hitting 38.1 degrees Celsius in west London, according to the national weather service. This comes as a prolonged period of hot weather continues across Europe.

The Met Office confirmed that this temperature exceeded the previous high of 38 degrees Celsius recorded on June 26. However, it fell short of the UK’s August record of 38.5 degrees Celsius set in 2003.

Both the UK and France are currently in the midst of their fifth heatwave of the year, with the first one occurring in May. In 2026, there have been a record four days with temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius or higher. Additionally, there have been two days matching 38 degrees Celsius.

France has experienced even higher temperatures, with readings nearing 41 degrees Celsius in various regions from Aquitaine in the southwest to the Rhone River valley in the east. The intense heat is expected to shift eastward away from Britain and France on Friday and gradually dissipate over the weekend.

This summer has highlighted the lack of preparedness in both countries to handle such extreme heat. Air conditioning is scarce outside of commercial establishments and offices. In Britain, healthcare workers have reportedly suffered from heat exhaustion due to inadequate cooling in aging hospital facilities.

The prolonged heatwave has exacerbated drought conditions across Europe, leading to crop failures and depleted water sources. Southern Water in England’s south has sought a rare drought order to restrict non-essential water usage, citing a severe lack of rainfall threatening supplies in specific areas.

Both Britain and France are on high alert for wildfires as the dry conditions persist. In England, firefighters have been battling wildfires, with over 1,000 incidents recorded this year. While not as severe as in other European countries, such as France, Greece, and Spain, these wildfires underscore the need for the UK to adapt to the changing climate.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is contemplating a ban on disposable barbecues to mitigate the wildfire risk amid the ongoing heatwave. French firefighters are also grappling with extreme weather events and are considering strike action to demand more support in dealing with wildfires.

The article emphasizes the urgent need for both countries to address the challenges posed by the changing climate and extreme weather events.