Latest London heatwave forecast sees temperatures dip 6C overnight

The heatwave is set to end and London will return to more pleasant temperatures

London – and the rest of the country – is in the grips of the fourth heatwave of the year. Across the Channel, France, Spain and Italy are battling wildfires.

But here in London, things look to be easing up a little bit. Today (Wednesday, July 29) will see highs of around 33C or 34C, but tomorrow (Thursday, July 30) the heatwave will end with temperatures returning to the mid- to high-twenties.

The peak will be between 2pm and 7pm at a balmy but not overly hot 27C. Friday, meanwhile, will round out July with a very pleasant 25C.

For today, though, caution should be exercised, especially after the UKHSA issued an amber heat-health alert. There’s also a risk of wildfires, according to the Met Office.

The alert covers the East Midlands, the East, South East and London, and is in place from Tuesday to Thursday, and the agency warned that rising temperatures may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.

It says temperatures are expected to peak even higher, at around 35C across South East England. The UK Fire Severity Index map, produced by the Met office in conjunction with Natural England, charts the severity of potential wildfires. The map states London is as a “very high” wildfire risk throughout this week, right up to Sunday, August 2.

The severity is upgraded to “exceptionally high” in Headcorn in Kent, just south of Maidstone.

Fire chiefs said many wildfires are caused by everyday human activity, adding that “disposing of cigarettes safely, avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open spaces and taking litter home can significantly reduce the risk of fires starting”.

July has been 3C above average across the UK, according to provisional Met Office data, potentially putting it among the hottest three or four months of July on record.

Fire chiefs said people should report any signs of fire immediately by calling 999 and asking for the fire and rescue service.

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