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Emergency services have issued warnings over the increased risks of wildfires before an expected heatwave this weekend, with temperatures forecast to reach 32C in some parts of the country.
Authorities reminded the public to check in with older people and those with health conditions as forecasters predicted a burst of heat expected to peak this weekend before easing early next week.
Most places in southern England will reach temperatures above the threshold for a heatwave – recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days – by this weekend.
In London – where the threshold is 28C – temperatures could peak at 29C on Thursday and 31C on Friday, before hitting 32C on Saturday.
The hot weather will then spread north, with Manchester and Newcastle enjoying temperatures into the late 20s by the weekend.
The Met Office said several places were expected to exceed 30C on Saturday, making them the highest temperatures of the year so far.
Tony Wisson, a deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Over the next few days, settled weather and warm sunshine will allow temperatures to rise day on day.
“Temperatures will then rise further towards the end of the week as winds turn more southerly and even warmer air over continental Europe will be drawn across the UK.
“While the warmest temperatures are likely across London and the east of England, by Saturday heatwave thresholds could be reached across much of the Midlands, low-lying areas bordering the Peak District and even parts of east Wales.”
The London fire brigade has meanwhile issued a warning over wildfires before the prolonged spell of hot weather and following one of the driest springs on record.
Charlie Pugsley, deputy commissioner for operational policy, prevention and protection, said: “Extended periods of hot and dry weather can greatly increase the risk of a grass fire, and particularly when that grass is tinder dry the spread of fire can be rapid. We have seen examples of this in London as well as more recently worldwide, such as in California and South Korea.”
Pugsley said he had written last month to the chief executives of each London local authority, “outlining some key measures they can take, such as to create fire breaks, and to welcome the work that councils are already undertaking”.
A drought was declared by the Environment Agency across Yorkshire last week while the north-west of England entered drought status last month.
Warnings are also being issued about the risk to people with health vulnerabilities that may be exacerbated by the heat. The UK Health Security Agency issued its first yellow heat-health alert of the year last week to remind health and social care services to prepare.
The director of Age UK, Caroline Abrahams, said many older people were looking forward to some warm weather, but that they needed to take extra care as temperatures rose, especially if they have long term health conditions. She suggested they take simple precautions such as staying out of direct sunlight and keeping hydrated.
“It is also worth doing any daily activities, such as going for a walk, shopping or gardening before or after the hottest part of the day which is between 11am and 3pm. Most of our homes aren’t really designed to cope with scorching weather, so it’s a good idea to do all we can to keep the cool air in and hot air out,” she said.
