Two teenagers have died in open water during the latest heatwave, police said, as parts of the UK face an “exceptional” risk of wildfires over the next few days. The deaths came as temperatures soared above 30C for a second week, prompting amber and yellow heat health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering much of England until 21:00 on 15 July.
The UKHSA warned that significant impacts are likely across health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among people with health conditions or aged 65 and older. The alerts come after a provisional maximum of 33C was recorded in Yelverton, Devon, on Saturday, with highs of 31-33C possible in parts of south-east Wales and south-west England on Sunday.
“Two teenagers died in open water as UK heatwave triggers exceptional wildfire risk and health alerts.”
Meanwhile, an intense early-summer heatwave has left vegetation dry and highly flammable, according to Natural England. A large part of southern England and pockets of the south Midlands are assessed to be at “exceptional” risk for wildfires on Sunday, with many other areas in England and Wales at “very high” risk throughout the week. The Natural Hazards Partnership has issued a red alert over an extreme wildfire risk in southern England, the Midlands and part of the north.
In Derbyshire, fire crews are tackling a blaze on Tintwistle Moor that has been burning since 24 June. Eight fire engines attended fires near Glossop on Saturday, while firefighters worked through Friday night to battle a wildfire at Devil’s Dyke in the South Downs National Park. On Sunday morning, crews were fighting a major fire on Conwy Mountain in North Wales, where residents reported smelling smoke from miles away.
The London Fire Brigade urged people not to use disposable barbecues, saying the risk in London grew from “elevated” to “extreme” on Saturday and would remain until Monday. “The very hot conditions are going to continue to remain across the UK until at least next week,” said Craig Snell, a Met Office forecaster. “Make sure to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and check on friends and family.”
The Met Office confirmed that 2026 is the first year on record to see temperatures of 35C reached on six separate occasions, and the first to experience 35C or higher across three months (May, June, July). “This year has already seen a number of remarkable temperature milestones,” said Dr Amy Doherty, Met Office Science Manager. “These records highlight just how notable this year has been for UK temperatures.”
Forecasters said a risk of thunderstorms could develop in parts of the south from Monday, but most areas are expected to stay dry, sunny and very hot into the coming week. The focus of the heat will gradually shift towards western parts of the UK, while eastern coastal areas see slightly cooler, cloudier conditions. As the heatwave continues and wildfire alerts persist, questions remain about how prepared the country is for a summer that keeps breaking temperature records.