The wildfire risk in London will escalate from 'elevated' to 'extreme' between Saturday, July 11 and Monday, July 13, as the capital endures a prolonged heatwave with temperatures reaching 31°C. London Fire Brigade chiefs have warned that freshening winds combined with hot, dry conditions significantly increase the likelihood of grass fires spreading rapidly.
Public urged to prevent fires
Although some wildfires occur naturally, the majority are caused by human behaviour, both accidental and deliberate, the Brigade added. People across the city are being urged to play their part to prevent these incidents. Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall said: “We want everyone across the city to enjoy the continuing heatwave but this must be done responsibly. The latest wildfire risk assessment indicates that if grass fires were to break out, the chance of them spreading more rapidly due to the weather conditions is greater.”
“With so many of London’s parks and open spaces close to properties and communities, it is vital the public take as much care as possible to prevent these fires starting in the first place. We have seen first-hand in London, as well as around the world, just how devastating the impact wildfires can have on livelihoods.
“That means no disposable barbecues in parks and open spaces, taking rubbish home with you if no bins are available and ensuring your cigarettes are discarded of properly. If you’re having a barbecue at home, make sure it is on level ground and away from decking, fences, trees and balconies.”
Record-breaking heatwave continues
Today (Friday, July 10) the Met Office confirmed the UK is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave, with 35°C temperatures recorded in May, June and July of the same year for the first time ever. The agency predicts sunny weather and temperatures between 29°C and 31°C each day until the end of its forecast model on Thursday, July 16. Beyond this, the BBC expects more unsettled weather with a mix of sun, rain and thunderstorms while temperatures hover around 27°C.
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 30°C. While temperatures are expected to reach into the low to mid-30°Cs 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.”
