British Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a Cobra emergency meeting amid the summer's fifth heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 38C and unprecedented wildfires. In this extreme scenario, experts warn about the vulnerability of children and babies, offering vital guidelines to keep them safe.

The UK Faces Its Warmest Summer in History

Based on reports from The Guardian and The Guardian Environment.

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired an emergency meeting of the government's Cobra committee to address the extreme dryness and high temperatures battering the country. For context, Cobra is the UK's emergency response committee, usually convened during national crises. This is the second such meeting this year, taking place amid the fifth heatwave of the British summer.

The Met Office (the UK's national weather service) reported that the country set a new historical record with 35 days registering temperatures above 30C so far this year, surpassing the previous record of 34 days set in 1995. Forecasts predicted 33C for Wednesday and up to 38C for Thursday.

Wildfires and Widespread Drought

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) warned of an unprecedented summer of volatile fires. According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, firefighters have responded to more than 950 wildfires in England and Wales during 2026, with 185 in just the first 10 days of August and over 450 in July. Currently, almost three-quarters of England and all of Wales are experiencing drought conditions.

A revealing fact about the institutional challenge is that only 20 of the 6,600 employees at the Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) work specifically on climate adaptation.

How to Keep Babies and Children Safe During Heatwaves

With temperatures on the rise, a major British newspaper published a crucial guide to protect the most vulnerable. Children, especially those under 5 years old, are at greater risk than adults due to biological factors.

Why Are Children More Vulnerable?

  • Immature hypothalamus: This brain region acts as the body's thermostat. In young children, it is not fully developed, meaning they sweat less and do not perceive thirst in time.
  • Higher heat absorption: Their smaller physical size gives them a higher surface-area-to-body-mass ratio than adults, causing them to absorb heat more quickly.
  • Higher metabolic activity: They tend to be more physically active and do not pace their energy, generating more internal heat.

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

If a child is in the sun for too long, they may suffer heat exhaustion: excessive sweating, pale and clammy skin, dizziness, irritability, intense thirst, cramps, or nausea. At this stage, it is vital to move them to the shade, hydrate them, and cool them with damp towels.

If left untreated, it can lead to heat stroke, a severe medical emergency. Symptoms include hot, red, and dry skin, confusion, a body temperature above 40C, and possible loss of consciousness. In babies, overheating increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Expert Recommendations

Dr. Jessica Mee, a heat physiology expert at the University of Worcester, suggests: maintaining good hydration, encouraging rest in cool and shaded areas, dressing children in loose, lightweight clothing, and watching for signs of fatigue or dizziness.

Special Care for Babies
  • They will need extra feeds of breast milk or formula.
  • They should not sleep in a stroller, as it can heat up and lack air.
  • The NHS (National Health Service, the UK's public health system) recommends keeping a newborn's room between 16C and 20C.
  • If using a fan, do not point it directly at the baby; use it to circulate the air. If no fan is available, apply cool, damp cloths.

During the June heatwave in the UK, one in six babies lived in overheated homes, leading some parents to rent air-conditioned hotel rooms to protect their children.