London faces extreme wildfire risk as heatwave hits record temperatures

London remains under a heightened alert as emergency services elevate the wildfire threat level across the capital. Following a week of sustained high temperatures, fire authorities have warned that conditions are shifting from “elevated” to “extreme” risk, a status expected to persist from Saturday to Monday. This escalation is attributed to a combination of prolonged dry weather, heat, and wind speed.

The severity of these conditions was underscored by a trackside fire involving shrubbery at Stratford Station on Friday. The incident, which began at approximately 7pm, forced the suspension of train services and caused significant travel disruption that extended into Saturday. While the London Fire Brigade (LFB) brought the blaze under control by 9:30pm, the event has served as a catalyst for renewed public safety appeals.

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The LFB has urged people not to use disposable barbecues over the weekend over fears of the dry heat leading to fires. LFB assistant commissioner Tom Goodall said:

"We want everyone across the city to enjoy the continuing heatwave but this must be done responsibly."

Beyond London, the broader weather situation shows no immediate signs of cooling. 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."

This summer has already established several statistical milestones. 2026 became the first year to record temperatures of 35C on six separate days, and 2026 has also become the first year to see temperatures of 35C or higher in three calendar months – and broke the record for most temperatures of 34C or higher, with nine so far this summer. These sustained high temperatures have placed immense pressure on the nation’s water infrastructure, leading to a series of hosepipe bans across various regions, including parts of Kent, the Isle of Wight, Hampshire, and the east of England.

The convergence of the heatwave with the England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway has prompted concern among emergency services. The Metropolitan Police is worried about excessive calls, and the Met has urged people to avoid getting in touch for non-emergencies amid a surge in 999 calls during the hot weather. Authorities have also issued warnings regarding water safety; Derbyshire Constabulary announced that the body of an 18-year-old man had been recovered from the water near the weir at the Darley Abbey Mills complex, and Greater Manchester Police said a scene remained in place at Dovestone Reservoir, Oldham, after an 18-year-old man died on Friday.

The Met Office warned people planning to enjoy the water this weekend to be careful and check the water temperature to avoid cold water shocks. Amber and yellow heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency will remain in place across large parts of England until Sunday.

The strain on water supplies has intensified after the successive heatwaves followed a record warm spring for England and Wales. Hosepipe restrictions are now widespread:

As the capital enters the coming week, forecasters note that while the meteorological pattern is expected to stay largely dry and sunny, the Met Office has warned of possible thunderstorms from Monday in parts of the south. For the immediate future, however, the intense heat is projected to persist.