The UK's fourth heatwave of 2026 is forecast to peak on Wednesday with temperatures reaching up to 35C across south-east England, as experts warn that wildfires could prove "exceptionally severe".
Amber health alert issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has put in place an amber heat-health alert covering the East Midlands, the East of England, South East and London. The alert runs from Tuesday through to Thursday, warning that climbing temperatures could heighten health risks, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Temperatures are anticipated to peak at as much as 35C across south-east England on Wednesday.
Wildfire risk assessment
A Met Office assessment revealed that fires could be exceptionally severe by Wednesday should they break out across parts of London, the South East and eastern England, owing to the hot, dry conditions.
Fire and rescue services across England and Wales have tackled 706 wildfires so far in 2026, with 208 incidents recorded between July 16 and 28 alone, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The NFCC further noted that the latest figures, which exclude wildfires elsewhere in the UK such as a significant wildfire in the Cairngorms in Scotland, illustrate "how quickly wildfire activity can increase during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather".
Fire chiefs cautioned that wildfire risk "remains elevated across the UK", with the NFCC confirming there were "currently eight live wildfire incidents being monitored through national reporting systems". Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that firefighters were continuing to "make progress at the major wildfire incident at Tintwistle Moor" following the deployment of 60 personnel on Tuesday.
Comparative statistics
While wildfire numbers across England and Wales remain lower than the 788 recorded at the same point last year, fire chiefs cautioned that "continued dry conditions, combined with warmer temperatures and harvesting activity in many rural areas", were generating circumstances in which blazes can ignite and spread at alarming speed.
Photographs revealed widespread scorched grass across Blackheath in London, with parched vegetation visible throughout numerous parks in the capital in the wake of the recent heatwave. This follows news that Royal Parks staff were advised against leaving deckchairs beneath trees amid concerns that branches could fall during the hot spell.
European context
Large-scale wildfires sweeping across Europe, including regions of Spain, France and Greece, have triggered evacuations, considerable environmental destruction and mounting pressure on emergency services.
The NFCC stated that UK wildfires are typically smaller and differ in nature from those witnessed across southern Europe, while warning that the "long-term effects of climate change are increasing the likelihood of larger, more complex and more resource-intensive wildfire incidents occurring".
Official responses
Phil Garrigan, chairman of the NFCC, said: "More than 200 wildfires in just 12 days shows how quickly the risk can escalate when hot, dry conditions take hold. The scenes we're seeing across parts of Europe are a stark reminder of what a changing climate means for fire and rescue services. We are not seeing fires of that scale in the UK today, but the science tells us we should expect larger, more frequent and more complex wildfires in the future. That's why we need continued investment in specialist wildfire capabilities, including aerial firefighting support, so we're prepared for the risks ahead. But prevention remains our strongest defence. Most wildfires are avoidable, and we're asking everyone to take extra care during the hot weather to help keep their communities safe."
A Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government spokesperson said: "We're investing nearly £100 million to help replace assets which can be used to tackle wildfires, including dedicated off-road vehicles which are suitable for England's landscape. This includes rolling out a pilot to place highly trained firefighters who specialise in wildfire response in key locations across England, working with industry experts to ensure this approach is tailored to the unique wildfire risks here."
Fire chiefs warned that many wildfires stem from routine human behaviour, emphasising 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". Provisional Met Office data reveals that temperatures across the UK this July have soared 3C above the seasonal average, potentially placing it amongst the hottest three or four Julys ever recorded. Fire chiefs have urged the public to report any indication of fire without delay by dialling 999 and requesting the fire and rescue service.
