The heatwave in London is set to extend to its 11th day, with temperatures tipped to reach 30C on Wednesday. The Met Office forecasts highs above the 28C heatwave threshold for the capital until Friday, before a brief easing over the weekend. However, a drop in temperatures is expected to be followed by a fourth heatwave next week as high pressure pulls hot air over the UK.
Wildfires Rage Across England and Wales
Wildfires were blazing at 19 locations across England and Wales on Tuesday as the UK continues to bake under intense heat. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued yellow heat-health alerts for seven English regions, including London, between Tuesday and Friday. The Met Office forecasts temperature peaks of 33C in south-central regions.
London's Last BBQ-Friendly Parks Ban Barbecues
Camden Council, the only council in London to permit barbecuing in its parks, has closed its barbecue season for this year amid the extreme wildfire threat. Barbecues are no longer permitted at Cantelowes Gardens, Russell Square, and Lincoln's Inn Fields. It is not yet clear if the ban is permanent or temporary. Barbecues were previously suspended in Waterlow Park after crowds became too large.
30C Days Equal 1976 Record
Temperatures in the UK on Monday peaked at 30.1C in Hurn, Dorset, making it the ninth consecutive day exceeding 30C somewhere in the country. June's heatwave saw seven consecutive days above 30C. There have now been 24 days in 2026 when 30C has been exceeded somewhere in the UK: seven in May, eight in June, and nine in July. This equals the number of 30C-plus days in 1976. The Met Office noted that in 1976, there were 18 consecutive days above 30C from June 22 to July 9.
London Narrowly Misses 30C on Tuesday
The Met Office provisionally recorded a high of 29.9C in London on Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to remain high on Wednesday, with highs of 28C after a fairly cloudy start, accompanied by a gentle breeze.
Londoners Scramble for Outdoor Swimming Spaces
Londoners are scrambling for outdoor swimming spaces amid the ongoing heatwave. With a 75% drop in outdoor swimming spots since 1950, online booking systems for venues sell out in minutes. Security guards are being deployed to manage crowds and stop illegal dipping in wildlife habitats, according to The New York Times. Harry Smith, director of the newly-opened Sea Lanes in Canary Wharf, said they had been surprised by the demand.
Fire Chiefs Urge Londoners to Create Firebreaks
Fire chiefs have urged Londoners to create firebreaks around their gardens in the face of an extreme threat of wildfires. The guidance followed large blazes over the weekend in Walthamstow and Stratford. London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall told The Standard: "As these very warm and dry conditions continue, we encourage all landowners, including households, to take any precautionary measures they can to protect properties in the event of a fire. Residents can also help minimise damage by keeping grass cut low and cutting back trees and shrubbery, particularly around the edges. Garden sheds should be positioned away from your home and other flammable materials like fencing."
Heatwave Continues for Much of the UK
The Met Office said the heatwave is set to continue for much of the UK this week. Temperatures could peak at 33C in parts of southern-central England on Wednesday. Temperatures are set to ease by the second half of the week, with peak temperatures dipping to the mid-to-high 20s for many by Saturday.
Other Wildfires Across the UK
As well as wildfires in London, serious fires broke out across the UK in recent days. On Sunday, major incidents were declared in north Wales and Derbyshire, with firefighters still tackling flames at both locations on Tuesday. Wildfires also occurred over the weekend in Hampshire, Durham, Devon, Somerset, and Sussex.
