Exceptional Wildfire Risk in Parts of the UK
A wildfire in Glossop, Derbyshire, on 25 June occurred as an intense early-summer heatwave gripped the UK, bringing unusually high temperatures and leaving vegetation dry and highly flammable.
Parts of the UK are facing an "exceptional" risk for wildfires over the coming days as a record-breaking heatwave persists.
On Sunday, a significant portion of southern England and some areas in the south Midlands were assessed to be at "exceptional" risk, according to Natural England.
Many other regions across England and Wales are classified as being at "very high" risk, a status expected to continue throughout the week.
This situation coincides with parts of the UK entering their second consecutive week of temperatures exceeding the heatwave threshold.
Consequently, amber and yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) from 09:00 BST on 12 July until 21:00 on 15 July.
These alerts indicate that significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the elevated temperatures, including an increase in deaths, particularly among individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those aged 65 and older.
Heatwave to Persist for Second Week
Heatwave conditions are expected to continue across many parts of England and Wales throughout the coming week, although a brisker wind has caused temperatures to drop by one or two degrees compared to recent days.
The most notable temperature decreases are forecast near the North Sea coasts, with highs on Sunday and Monday anticipated to be around 18-21°C (64-70°F).
Despite the breeze, temperatures will remain elevated across the western half of England and Wales, with highs ranging from 26-30°C widely, and 31-33°C possible in parts of south-east Wales and south-west England through Sunday.
Amber health alerts issued by the UKHSA are in effect until Wednesday evening for south-west England and the West Midlands, aligning with areas expecting the highest temperatures.
Heatwave conditions are also expected to persist more broadly in the north-west of England, East Midlands, east of England, London, and the south-east, where a yellow alert is active for the same period.
From Monday, temperatures in England and Wales are projected to remain around 30-32°C, though unlikely to reach the mid-30s recorded last week.
Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland may experience a return of heatwave conditions by midweek.
Why Is the Fire Risk So High and How Long Will It Last?
Three record-breaking heatwaves combined with an extended lack of rainfall have left many areas of England and Wales increasingly vulnerable to wildfires.
Over the next few days, ongoing hot and dry weather, along with strengthening winds and reduced humidity, is expected to accelerate the drying of vegetation, thereby elevating the risk of fires.
Stronger winds would also facilitate the rapid spread of any fires that ignite, making them more difficult to control.
The wildfire risk is anticipated to ease somewhat by midweek as winds diminish and the likelihood of showers increases. However, current forecasts indicate that "exceptional" wildfire danger could persist across East Anglia through Wednesday.
"When the weather stays hot and dry, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire. What can begin as a small fire can spread incredibly quickly, putting people, homes, wildlife and our countryside at risk," said a National Fire Chiefs Council spokesperson.
When Will the Heatwave Finally Break?
With lower pressure situated in the Bay of Biscay, the far south-west of England could begin to see some showers starting Sunday, with more significant rainfall expected on Monday.
This low-pressure system is forecast to move northward during the week, extending the chance of thundery showers to southern England and southern Wales on Tuesday, then to the Midlands by Wednesday.
These thunderstorms are predicted to become more widespread by Thursday, although temperatures are expected to remain in the high 20s to low 30s Celsius.
The heatwave is projected to subside towards the end of the week as the probability of rain increases across the UK due to the advancing low-pressure system.
This will bring a cooler north wind, signaling the end of heatwave conditions.
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