UK swelters as wildfires and heatwaves persist

Britain roasted on its hottest day of the year, with temperatures reaching 38.1°C, prompting wildfires, a disposable BBQ ban, and an emergency phone alert.

Fire services were overwhelmed, and residents returned to homes destroyed by the Stourbridge blaze.

Wessex Water announced its first hosepipe ban in 50 years, affecting 1.4 million customers.

The Met Office forecast rain and cooler conditions, but warned a sixth heatwave could hit in September.