London is set for its longest dry spell since 2018 as a period of record-breaking heat continues. It has not rained in the capital since July 5 when some small showers were recorded in the city. The dry weather has left many of London’s parks in shades of yellow and brown due to the parched grass.
Heatwave Conditions Persist
Saturday marks the end of almost two weeks of heatwave conditions with daily highs above 28°C since July 5. Temperatures are expected to hit just 24°C, with highs of 25°C to 26°C forecast for much of next week - significantly lower than those seen over the past month. The third heatwave since May has seen the thermometer reach 34°C in the capital.
Wildfire Risk and Public Warning
The hot and dry weather has fuelled the spread of two fires in London in recent days that have caused major disruption to the capital. The next spell of rain is not expected until at least July 24, when light showers could arrive for parts of the capital. As a result of the hot and dry conditions, the public are being urged to “play their part” in reducing the risk of wildfires after National Resilience data showed nearly 499 have now been recorded across England and Wales between January 1 and July 16. While this remains well below the 748 seen at this point last year, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said wildfire activity remains significantly higher than in recent years. By the same point in the year, 81 wildfires were recorded in 2024, 242 in 2023 and 400 in 2022, they highlighted.
Record-Breaking Dry Spell
Meanwhile, central and south-east England have seen the longest unbroken spell of no recorded rainfall this century, Met Office figures suggest. An average of zero rainfall has been measured across the organisation’s weather stations in both regions for 14 days in a row, from Thursday July 2 to Wednesday July 15, according to the latest available data. This is the longest unbroken run of days with no rain for south-east England since a 15-day spell in April 1997. For central England, it is the longest period since a 14-day run of no recorded rainfall in June 1996. Data for July 16 has yet to be published, but could show the rain-free spells in both regions extending for even longer.
Climate Change and Wildfire Prevention
Scientists continue to warn that the country’s weather is changing as human-driven climate change disrupts global rainfall patterns and leads to increasingly conditions. After successive heatwaves and a record warm spring for England and Wales, vegetation has also become increasingly dry, meaning even a single spark can quickly develop into a fast-moving wildfire, the NFCC said, adding the risk of further significant incidents remains for the coming weeks. The NFCC is calling on people to avoid using disposable barbecues where possible, dispose of cigarettes safely, and take litter home or use the bins provided. “Parents and carers can also help by talking to children and young people about fire safety and the importance of respecting the outdoors,” an NFCC spokesperson said. “Most wildfires are preventable. By making simple, responsible choices, we can all help protect our communities, wildlife, and natural spaces, while easing the pressure on firefighters who have already worked tirelessly to keep people safe this summer.”
