Heat health alerts extended as emergency services warn of surge in demand and risk of wildfires

Emergency services have warned of “extreme” wildfire risks over the weekend.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has urged people not to use disposable barbecues over the weekend over fears of the dry heat leading to fires.

The Metropolitan Police is worried about excessive calls, with England set to play Norway in a quarter-final of the Fifa World Cup on Saturday night.

The Met has urged people to avoid getting in touch for non-emergencies amid a surge in 999 calls during the hot weather.

Amber heat health alerts were issued for the West Midlands and the South West, from 9am on Sunday until 9pm on Wednesday.

This means significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over, or with health conditions.

Yellow heat health alerts were posted for the East Midlands, the North West, the South East, the East of England and London, and will also be in place from 9am on Sunday until 9pm on Wednesday.

The UKHSA said similar significant impacts are possible across these areas, and warned of a potential increase in water-related incidents across England, including risks from cold water shock and drowning.

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.

“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.”

The Met Office announced the new records after temperatures peaked at 35.2C at Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire, on Friday afternoon.

Later in the evening, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue (DFR) confirmed that it was currently fighting two wildfires in the area.

The force reported that it was dealing with a moorland fire near Arnfield Farm in Glossop, and a separate ongoing fire in Tintwistle Moor.

Friday night also saw a “trackside” blaze involving shrubbery at Stratford Station in London at around 7pm, causing rail line closures.

LFB reported that the fire was under control at around 9.30pm, and has used the incident to reiterate the risk of wildfires during the heatwave this weekend.

The brigade said that the latest assessments show the risk in London will grow from “elevated” to “extreme” from Saturday to Monday, driven by factors like prolonged dry weather, heat and wind speed.

LFB assistant commissioner Tom Goodall said: “We want everyone across the city to enjoy the continuing heatwave but this must be done responsibly.