The mercury hit 35.2C at Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire on Friday – the sixth day this year that Britain has recorded temperatures of 35C or more, making 2026 the first year to reach that mark on so many separate days. And the heat is not letting up: forecasts show possible highs of 36C today in southern and western England, with Yorkshire bracing for 33C. Emergency services are now preparing for a punishing weekend, warning of “extreme” wildfire risks as the dry spell persists.
The London Fire Brigade has urged people not to use disposable barbecues in the summer heat, fearing the tinder-dry conditions could spark devastating blazes. But it is not just fires that have the authorities on edge. The Metropolitan Police is bracing for a surge in calls, especially with England facing Norway in the World Cup quarter-final at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, kicking off at 10pm BST. Deputy commissioner Matt Jukes went on LBC Radio yesterday to appeal for restraint. “We’re going to see more calls. We’re going to see more drinking. I hope we’re going to see more great goals for England, and we’re going to see success,” he said. “Call us on the things we need to. Please hold back on the calls we don’t need to take. Officers out there are melting in the heat but they will be there to come to you if you need us.”
“Britain hits 35C for sixth time in a year; fire chiefs warn of extreme wildfire risk as police brace for World Cup surge.”
In a post on X, the force said people should only dial 999 if there is “an immediate danger to life, someone is using or threatening violence, or a crime is happening right now”. The plea comes as the US National Weather Service predicts the Miami heat could feel as hot as 43C, with thunderstorms and lightning also forecast. FIFA rules stipulate that any lightning within an eight-mile radius of the stadium triggers an automatic suspension of play, potentially delaying or postponing the match. As the UK swelters under a third heatwave, the question remains whether the nation’s football fever will push already stretched services to breaking point.
