An interactive map has pinpointed the parts of London where any wildfires are expected to be most severe this week, as the capital braces for an “exceptional” threat amid a fourth heatwave of the year. Temperatures are forecast to climb into the mid-30s Celsius, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issuing amber heat health alerts for eastern England, including London, from 09:00 on Wednesday until 09:00 on Thursday.
The latest spell of heatwave-level temperatures is expected to peak on Wednesday in the south-east and east of England, where readings could reach 30-35C across the Midlands, southern and eastern England. The hot weather will be focused on central, southern and eastern England on Tuesday, though it may spread slightly northwards and westwards into midweek. Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain cooler, with temperatures in the high teens or low to mid-20s Celsius.
“Temperatures to hit 35C as London faces exceptional wildfire risk; UKHSA issues amber alerts.”
The dry conditions that have fuelled the wildfire risk are stark: according to the Met Office, rainfall in England this month stands at just 4.4mm, one of the lowest levels on record, tied with June 1925 and behind only February 1891 (3.3mm). Wales, where drought was triggered last week in some parts, is experiencing its fourth driest July since records began. The ongoing lack of rain means hosepipe bans are already in force for millions of households, and dry vegetation has provided tinder for wildfires in a number of areas. Though there was some rain this weekend, the driest locations — including central, southern and eastern England — saw little, if any, meaningful rainfall.
The UKHSA warns that the rising temperatures could increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups, and that significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, especially as much of July has seen temperatures well above average by day and by night. July 2026 has been notably hot: the Met Office says the UK mean temperature so far this month is 17.5C, which currently makes it the second hottest of any month on record, behind only July 2006 (17.8C).
Current forecasts suggest that this week’s intense heat across southern and central parts of the UK will be short-lived compared to the three previous widespread heatwaves this summer. Some isolated showers may arrive later in the week. But with the driest areas seeing little rain, and an “exceptional” wildfire alert issued for London, the question remains how long the tinder-dry landscape can hold out before the next spark.