Temperatures soared to 33.4C in parts of England on Tuesday as the country entered its fourth heatwave of the summer, prompting health warnings and wildfires in London. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued heat health warnings for all of England, cautioning about potential deadly effects, especially among the elderly and those with health conditions.
Amber warnings are in place for the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, and the South East until Wednesday, with yellow warnings covering the rest of the country. The Met Office expects the heat to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 34C in southern areas, the West Midlands, Wales, and eastern England, including Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, and East Anglia.
Wildfires have been reported in two areas of London. Eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Arnold Road in Northolt, Ealing, affecting seven acres of grass, trees, and shrubland. Another fire on Wanstead Flats in Redbridge required 10 fire engines and 70 firefighters, covering 10 acres of grassland; it was brought under control by 3.30pm. The London Fire Brigade had also responded to a fire in the same Redbridge location on Monday.
Dan Suri, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “During Wednesday daytime, temperatures could peak at 34°C, with the heat shifting eastwards into east England, while parts of Scotland could also see temperatures above 30°C. By the evening, there is an increased risk of thunderstorms across northern areas, with the potential for some fairly wet weather.”
Meanwhile, the national drought group warned that England is experiencing “nationally significant” water shortfalls despite July rain, with five areas in drought and six more in prolonged dry weather status. The group cited widespread environmental and agricultural impacts, including reduced crop yields, damaged wetlands, and increased wildfire risk. Rachel Hallos, vice-president of the National Farmers’ Union, urged government and fire services to work with farmers on prevention and response. Friends of the Earth campaigner Alison Dilworth called for better climate adaptation plans, noting that heatwaves are becoming deadlier and more frequent due to climate change.
