2026 has become the first year on record to see temperatures of 35C reached on six separate occasions, as the UK heatwave shows no sign of relenting. Emergency services have warned of 'extreme' wildfire risks this weekend, with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) appealing to the public to refrain from using disposable barbecues.
Emergency Services on High Alert
The Metropolitan Police has expressed concern over a potential surge in calls, urging the public not to contact them for non-emergencies after a sharp rise in 999 calls during the ongoing hot spell. Forecasters confirm that parts of England and Wales will continue to see temperatures exceeding 30C throughout the weekend and into next week.
Amber and yellow heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency will remain in force across much of England until 9pm on Wednesday. The Met Office has also warned of possible thunderstorms from Monday across parts of the south, though the coming week is expected to remain largely dry.
Met Office Details
Met Office deputy chief forecaster David Hayter said: 'Areas of central and southern England and Wales are expected to see several more consecutive days of temperatures above 30C. While temperatures are expected to reach into the low to mid-30s through the weekend, the focus of the heat will gradually shift towards western parts of the UK.'
'This will also bring some slightly cooler and cloudier conditions to eastern coastal areas than of recent days. It will also turn windier across southern areas, bringing breezier conditions, especially along coasts and headlands. The main exception to the largely dry and sunny conditions is northern Scotland, where a cold front is bringing rain, cloud and some heavy downpours on Friday. But conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.'
'There is a possible increase in thunderstorms from Monday in parts of the south, however most areas will remain dry, sunny and very warm into the coming week.'
Record Temperatures and Wildfires
The Met Office confirmed the new records following temperatures reaching a peak of 35.2C at Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire, on Friday afternoon. Later that evening, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue (DFR) confirmed it was actively tackling two separate wildfires in the vicinity. The service reported that crews were managing a moorland blaze near Arnfield Farm in Glossop, alongside a further ongoing fire at Tintwistle Moor.
Friday night also witnessed a 'trackside' fire involving shrubbery at Stratford Station in London at approximately 7pm, resulting in rail line closures. The London Fire Brigade confirmed the fire was brought under control at around 9.30pm, using the incident to highlight the heightened wildfire risk throughout the weekend's heatwave.
Extreme Risk Level
The brigade stated that recent assessments indicate London's risk level will escalate from 'elevated' to 'extreme' between Saturday and Monday, influenced by conditions including persistent dry weather, high temperatures and wind speeds. The public is urged to avoid disposable barbecues and take extra care to prevent fires.
