UK Heatwave: Britain expects record temperature on 'Furnace Friday'

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Europe

02:10

The heatwave is also taking a toll on residents across much of Europe. CGTN's Richard Bestic shows us how this record-breaking heatwave is scorching the UK.

England's famously green and pleasant lands have undergone a dramatic transformation this year scorched by an unrelenting sun and a record-breaking drought. What they're calling here furnace Friday could become the hottest July day in British history, beating the all-time record of 38.5 degrees Celsius.

RICHARD BESTIC LONDON "With the weather England's favourite conversation, coping or not, this heat wave has given the country a lot to talk about."

"I feel strange that it's not raining and here it's always raining."

"I love it. I love the hot weather."

"I think it's great. I like it. I love it. The warmer the better."

"I'd rather it was a bit cooler and I'd like a bit of rain. But yeah, I think we're lucky we've had this lovely summer."

"Bit hot. Might be too hot. It is quite hot."

"I have got burnt a little bit but, it's good."

As with everything in life, there are winners and losers.

In the capital, a high air pollution alert, due to a toxic mix created by temperatures rivalling those in the hottest parts of Europe. On the land farmers warn of prices rises as crops wither in dry fields.

ROGER HOBSON FARMER "You can see the leaves dying and without rain soon this will be the end of the carrot."

Whereas vineyard owners are boasting a bumper crop of grapes and a vintage year for wine.

RICHARD BESTIC LONDON "So, what's causing it? Well, according to weather watchers, the Jetstream, high up in the sky pushing the clouds far north over Iceland. Or could it be global warming? According to a UK Parliamentary committee, if this is the new normal, it'll result in 7,000 heat-related deaths every year. RB CGTN London."