London is set to experience a significant cooldown after the current heatwave peaks on Wednesday, July 29, with temperatures reaching 32-33°C, according to BBC Weather. Following this, thermometers are expected to drop to the mid-to-high 20s, offering more comfortable summer conditions with overnight lows around 15°C.
Heatwave peak and relief
The Met Office has reported that July has been 3°C above average across the UK, potentially ranking among the hottest three or four Julys on record. Southern England has received just 1% of its average July rainfall, while England as a whole has had 5% and the UK 20%.
The dry conditions have led to hosepipe bans affecting 23 million customers, and water companies without bans are urging conservation. Drought has been declared across parts of Wales, putting pressure on crops and livestock grazing.
Rain forecast and wildfire risks
BBC Weather forecasts possible rain from Tuesday, August 4 to Thursday, August 6, though meteorologists emphasise this is a likelihood, not a guarantee. The heat and dryness have increased wildfire risks, with firefighters battling 19 significant blazes simultaneously in England and Wales during the third heatwave in mid-July. The Cairngorms in Scotland have also experienced a major wildfire.
In mainland Europe, blazes have forced 220,000 people from their homes in south-west France and 116,000 in Spain.
