Met Office map shows ‘very high’ risk of wildfires as London to reach 35C

An interactive map produced by the Met Office shows where wildfires are most likely

As temperatures soar to 35C in London once again, London is a at very high risk of wildfires according to a map from the Met Office, while the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert across southern England.

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.

Temperatures are expected to peak as high as 35C across south-east England on Wednesday. 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.

As temperatures reach a high of 34C on Wednesday, July 29, the severity is upgraded to “exceptionally high” in Headcorn in Kent, just south of Maidstone.

The risk will reduce on Thursday, July 30, when temperatures drop around seven degrees to a peak of 27C, but will remain ‘high’.

The rest of this week will see temperatures hovering in the mid to late 20s, according to BBC Weather, with the first chance of rain on Sunday, August 2. Further bouts of rain are expected next week as the capital recovers from an intensely hot and dry summer that has turned part of the city into ‘tinderboxes’.

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.

Temperatures highs in London across next week

Wednesday, July 29: Sunny and a gentle breeze, with a peak temperature of 34C
Thursday, July 30: Sunny intervals and light breeze, with a top temperature of 27C.
Friday, July 31: Sunny day with light winds, with mercury rising to 26C.
Saturday, August 1: Sunny intervals and light winds, with a peak of 26C.
Sunday, August 2: More sunshine and chance of mild drizzle, with a peak of 28C.
Monday, August 3: Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze, with a peak of 28C.
Tuesday, August 4: Drizzle and light winds, with a peak of 26C.