Britain is poised for its fifth heat wave on Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach 38 °C (100 °F) in central and southeast England. The forecast could make this summer the hottest on record, just below the 38.5 °C mark set in August 2003. The Met Office said that average conditions for the remainder of August could surpass last year’s record for the hottest year.

Large parts of England are experiencing drought, putting pressure on water supplies for households, agriculture and the environment. Southern Water has applied for a drought order that would ban nonessential water use for businesses, including car washing and filling swimming pools, in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle will decide on the application, which would be the first such ban since May 2006.

Hospitals have reported incidents of nursing staff suffering heat exhaustion. The Royal College of Nursing chief executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, said that collapsing and dizziness among staff show that workplaces are not equipped for the heat.

Wildfires have continued this summer, with 1,017 fires recorded in England and Wales this year, matching the previous year’s total. The New Forest in southern England saw multiple blazes this week. Although not as extensive as fires in France, Greece or Spain, the activity underscores the need for the United Kingdom to adapt to increasing fire risk.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will consider imposing a ban on disposable barbecues to reduce the chance of further wildfires while the heat persists.

Authorities have not yet announced a decision on the water restriction order or the barbecue ban.