Dozens of firefighters have been battling fresh grass fires in east London amid the the threat of severe wildfires in the capital.
The risk from blazes in capital, now officially in a drought, is “very high” today according to a Natural England fire severity index.
Dramatic pictures showed a blaze ripping across grassland in Hornchurch. There was also a fire destroying a large area of land in Rainham today.
It comes after around 120 firefighters battled two major grass fires in Romford, east London, yesterday.
In Suffolk, a major incident has been declared after a large heathland blaze erupted on the coast at Dunwich Heath, near Leiston.
Meanwhile a man has died after getting into difficulty in the sea off Frinton in Essex.
Temperatures in London are expected to ease today with a high of 27C predicted after a high of 34C yesterday.
Follow the latest updates below...
Coverage ends
20:45 , Matt Watts
We’re bringing our weather coverage to a close for the evening.
For the full story on the latest wildfires to hit London, read below.
New wildfires rage in east London after firefighters suffer busiest day of the year
Londoners rejoice as first drops of rain in London fall for weeks
19:00 , Matt Watts
Londoners are celebrating after the first drops of rain fell in the capital in weeks.
Residents of south London reacted as rain fell in some areas in the past hour.
After two long months…
— Dr Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) July 30, 2026
It’s raining in Croydon 🙏❤️#UKDrought #Drought pic.twitter.com/NKoMiw6G09
Rain!!😱☔️
— lizzi anne aquilina (@lizziianne) July 30, 2026
Not much, but hey!😆#london pic.twitter.com/MSA40r9ZvP
I just counted at least 6 drops of rain in my corner of S London pic.twitter.com/cQqyOueydJ
— Gavin Hales (@gmhales) July 30, 2026
18:09 , Matt Watts
More images show the fire in Hornchurch.
At the height of the fire, around six hectares was alight, the London Fire Brigade said.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Firefighters used backpack blowers, which work just like leaf blowers to help beat back the flames.
They allow firefighters to push flames back into already burnt areas.
This is a tactic that provides a faster, more efficient attack on wildfires.
Wildfire beaters are also being used. The beater is made of a long handle with a flat piece of rubber at the end.
They’re used to beat the flames, which deprives them of oxygen and cools them down.
Man dies after getting into diffculty in sea in Essex
17:36 , Matt Watts
A man has died after getting into difficulty in the sea off Frinton, Essex Police said.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after 2pm to reports that a man had got into difficulty in the sea off The Esplanade and had been brought ashore.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Drought declared in whole of Wales
17:32 , Matt Watts
Drought has now been declared across the whole of Wales, with this month on course to be the driest July in Wales since records began 190 years ago, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said.
North Wales and the Upper Severn were given drought status last week and, after continued low rainfall and high temperatures, this has now been extended to include the whole of the country, the devolved Government agency said.
The majority of rivers across Wales are exceptionally low, and the dry conditions are leading to river beds drying out, distressing fish, causing algal blooms, and raising concerns from farmers about crop growth, the body said.
It added there were also concerns about grazing conditions and levels of drinking water for livestock, it added.
Rhian Thomas, Sustainable Water and Nature Manager at NRW, said: “The intensity of the heat and the exceptional lack of rainfall means this is a rapidly changing picture in Wales.
“Our teams are closely monitoring forecasts and river flows and responding to increasing environmental concerns and incidents across Wales.
“The toll on the environment, our land and agriculture is clear to see, with many of our teams still dealing with the aftermath of extensive wildfires which have devastated forestry, grassland and special habitats.
“With no strong indications for notable rainfall in the forecasts, and risks of further heatwaves over the summer, it’s more important than ever that we all use water wisely. Every drop we waste is less water for our rivers and wildlife when they need it the most.”
UK should prepare for more wildfires, says National Trust
16:00 , Niva Yadav
The National Trust’s Director General, Hilary McGrady, has said the UK must prepare for more frequent and severe wildfires.
McGrady said: "We've all been watching in horror as our neighbours in Europe are battling the most extreme fires. Fires like these might once have seemed unthinkable in Europe and the UK - but that certainty is gone.
"So we need action and we need political will. We must adapt, urgently, to these conditions."
'Don't let a hot day end in tragedy,' says Sir Sadiq as he issues drowning warning
15:38 , Niva Yadav
Sir Sadiq Khan has issued a drowning warning, urging people to “stick to designated swimming locations.”
The London Mayor said in a post on X: “Don’t let a hot day end in tragedy.”
It comes as the London Fire Brigade was forced to rescue a person in the Thames at Battersea Pier over the weekend.
Don't let a hot day end in tragedy.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) July 30, 2026
Most of London's rivers, canals and lakes are not safe for swimming. Cold water shock can strike in seconds. Please stick to designated swimming locations and follow the advice from @LondonFire: https://t.co/WkucePTjyS
Suffolk fire blazes just 5km from Sizewell B
15:20 , Niva Yadav
The Sizewell B nuclear plant is on high alert as a wildfire in Suffolk blazes just kilometres away.
The nuclear plant has an emergency plan in place, including in the case of fire, but is currently not affected by the blaze.
It is being monitored closely as the fire services work to tackle the fire - which has grown to the size of 140 football pitches.
Homeless families living in 37C flats after air conditioning switched off
15:00 , Niva Yadav
Homeless families in London were found to be living in 37C apartments after air conditioning units were manually turned off by the landlord.
The families - who are being housed in temporary accommodation in south London - were subjected to scorching temperatures, with two children hospitalised.
You can read the full story here:
Mayor wades into row over air con switched off for homeless families during heatwave
National help requested by Suffolk fire services
14:52 , Niva Yadav
Fire services in Suffolk are requesting national help after more than 20 hours tackling the blaze.
Chief fire officer Jon Lacey has said his crews are “tired and worn out”, with the blaze still the size of 140 football pitches.
He is calling for extra firefighters and forces fro elsewhere in the UK.
London hits 27C
14:39 , Niva Yadav
It’s around 27C at 2pm in London.
The Met Office was forecasting highs of 28C but it looks as though it could start to cool off. If it does, it would mean London’s fourth heatwave will officially come to an end.
That said, there’s still plenty of time for the mercury to rise.
In pictures: Suffolk fire as Dunwich Heath goes up in flames
13:46 , Niva Yadav
Dramatic photos have emerged of the Suffolk fire on Wednesday evening.
Firefighters have been working to contain the large fire, which is now about the size of 140 football pitches.
London has experienced as many as 37 dry days
13:30 , Niva Yadav
Some areas of London have experienced as many as 37 dry days, according to the Met Office.
Analysis across different sites in London shows that Heathrow has gone 37 days without so much as a drop of rain. A dry day is classified when there is either 0.0mm of rainfall or a trace amount.
Northolt in north-west London and Kenley Airfield have gone 33 days without rain, while Kew Gardens hasn’t seen a downpour for 32 days.
In pictures: England suffers drought
13:15 , Niva Yadav
More than half of England is suffering drought conditions, with parks, gardens, and fields turned to tinderboxes.
Pictures show once-green fields dried out and parched as a scorching summer sweeps across the UK.
How hot will it get?
13:00 , Niva Yadav
The weekend is shaping up to be a little cooler than the 34C highs of yesterday.
According to forecasts, the fourth heatwave of the summer reached its peak on Wednesday and the next few days will see temperatures closer to the 25C mark on Friday and Saturday.
Though this might not be for very long as Sunday will see the mercury rise back to 27C, while Monday could see highs of 28C.
BBC Weather is forecasting rain for Tuesday, but the Met Office predicts sunny spells and highs of 26C with just a 30% chance of precipitation. Still, that’s higher than today and tomorrow where the chance of rain is less than 5%.
WATCH: Drone footage captures enormous Suffolk wildfire
12:45 , Niva Yadav
Drone footage has captured the scale of the major wildfire incident in Suffolk yesterday.
Homes and 200 caravans were evacuated as fire fighters battled to get a blaze the size of 140 football pitches under control.
Farmers to face "worst harvest in years"
12:30 , Niva Yadav
Successive heatwaves and drought are taking their toll on the UK’s farmers, who are now calling on the government for support.
Gavin Lane, president of the Country Land and Business Association, said: “Farmers are telling us this is the worst harvest in years.
“A sodden winter followed by drought has left wheat at half its usual height and some crops not worth harvesting.”
He called on the government to invest in “resilient farming systems, from reservoirs to wildfire prevention” which could help farmers cope with the new extremes.
Mr Lane added a well-funded “sustainable farming incentive” – the main plank of the Government’s agri-environmental subsidy scheme – that was open to all farms regardless of size or type of business “would also give farmers a reliable source of income should the weather wipe out their harvest”.
“Farmers have shown again and again that they can adapt and deliver solutions, but resilience has limits.
“If we want them to keep feeding the country, they need proper support. Otherwise, this harvest could be their last.”
Reservoirs in London only 89% full
12:15 , Niva Yadav
Thames Water has released a summary of its water resources at the end of June.
Soils were drier than average across the catchment and groundwater levels were variable. But worryingly, river flows were below average while reservoirs in London were 89% full (88% in west London and 95% in Lee Valley).
This is below average for this time of year.
London Fire Brigade reports busiest 24 hours of 2026
12:00 , Niva Yadav
The London Fire Brigade has reported its busiest 24 hours of 2026 on Wednesday.
Firefighters tackled 63 grassfires across the capital, with temperatures exceeding 34C.
Crews were dispatched to more than 500 incidents, with east London boroughs proving most vulnerable to wildfire risk.
Havering recorded 47 grassfires on Wednesday, followed by Barking and Dagenham with 16.
Some 100 firefighters were sent to one grass fire in Rainham, while another 60 firefighters tackled two blazes in Romford.
There were also fires in Dagenham, Hayes, Hornchurch and Enfield.
It comes as the LFB urges Londoners to take extra care in the hot weather.
London Fire Brigade attended more than 1,300 incidents this weekend
11:45 , Niva Yadav
The London Fire Brigade has said it attended more than 1,300 incidents over the weekend.
This comprised grass fires and a person rescued from the Thames - all as a result of the heat.
One grass fire in Rainham destroyed 10 hectares of lands, while another hectare of grassland was alight in Croydon.
It comes as crews battled to tackle a wildfire in Romford yesterday, which saw flames rip through acres of a field.
What's the weather forecast in London?
11:30 , Niva Yadav
In a turn of events, today could now exceed 28C, which would mean that the heatwave is not yet over.
Temperatures are set to steadily rise from now, peaking at around 3pm. As it stands, the mercury has already risen to 25C at 11am.
When will it rain?
11:15 , Niva Yadav
Some reprieve from the sizzling temperatures could well be on its way. BBC Weather is forecasting rainfall for large parts of next week.
Tuesday could finally be the day that London sees a sustained period of rain, with light showers forecast on Wednesday and Friday.
Recap: Suffolk fire
11:00 , Niva Yadav
Suffolk emergency services were called out to reports of a wildfire at Dunwich Heath, near Leiston, shortly after 5:30pm yesterday.
Crews have remained on the scene overnight to tackle the blaze, while several people were evacuated.
The fire was just 5km away from Sizewell B, but it is not expected to have put the nuclear power station in any danger.
Forces declared a “major incident” due to the size and complexity of the fire.
What are the long-lasting impacts of drought?
10:43 , Niva Yadav
A second consecutive summer drought is an “exceptionally serious situation” and will have “long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife, and economy,” according to an Environment Agency chief.
Helen Wakeham, the director of water and chairwoman of the Nation Drought Group, explained we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it, adding it can take a long time for rainfall to replenish groundwater and reservoirs.
In addition to depleted water reserves, there are several other things to consider:
- Wetlands across the UK could dry up with native species facing loss of habitat and food shortages.
- Early crop harvests could fail, especially as plants like potatoes rely on irrigation, which in turn could drive up food prices.
- Livestock farmers are being forced to use winter feed due to the lack of grass
- Dry soil can be lost in the wind, impacting its ability to absorb future rainfall properly
Driest July in more than 100 years
10:29 , Niva Yadav
This month could be the driest July in more than 100 years.
According to the Met Office, rainfall in England this month is at 4.4mm, one of the lowest levels on record, behind only February 1891 (3.3mm) and tied with June 1925 (4.4mm).
Number of heatwave-related deaths doubled compared to 2025
10:14 , Niva Yadav
There have been almost double the number of excess deaths caused by heatwaves so far this year than in last summer, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.
A new report estimates there were 2,877 heat-associated deaths during the heatwaves in May and June this year, almost double the figure reported from the UK heatwaves in June to August last year.
An estimated 753 deaths were associated with the May heatwave from May 24-27, and a further 2,124 with the June heatwave between June 21 and 28.
“While these figures remain interim, they are already approaching the annual record reported by UKHSA in 2022,” the report said.
Is the heatwave over?
10:00 , Niva Yadav
Three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 28C is required for it to be considered a heatwave.
Today is set to peak at 27C, which could mark the end of London’s fourth heatwave. But, only time will tell whether this latest heatwave is truly over.
'Exceptionally high' wildfire threat
09:45 , Niva Yadav
Parts of the capital are facing an “exceptionally high” wildfire threat as London sees one of its longest spells without a single drop of rain.
Though temperatures are predicted to fall on Thursday, forecasters aren’t predicting rain until Tuesday at the earliest, according to BBC Weather.
The Standard has produced a map showing the exact areas where wildfires could be the most severe in London.
You can find it here:
Mapped: The parts of London facing ‘exceptional’ wildfires threat this week
Today's outlook
09:16 , Niva Yadav
Mercifully, today will be cooler than yesterday with temperatures set to reach 27C by this afternoon, according to the Met Office.
The mercury will peak by 2pm and is not projected to fall until around 8pm tonight, when the temperature will drop to 24C.
It’s still going to be a warm night - though not quite tropical.
Several parts of UK in drought
09:11 , Niva Yadav
Swathes of England are facing drought conditions after very low rainfall and high temperatures, the Environment Agency said.
In addition to London, East Anglia, Hertfordshire, Thames Valley, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex, are all officially in drought.
This is the third drought in the past five years and comes as another heatwave looks to grip the capital.
WATCH: Huge grass fires rage in east London as residents try to dampen flames
09:00 , Niva Yadav
Around 120 firefighters were called to tackle two grass fires in east London yesterday.
Videos show the fire ripping through a field, while in more footage shared online, residents can be seen desperately trying to calm flames with a garden hose.
The substantial grass fire in Romford comes as the wildfire threat in London has been raised to “exceptionally high” and temperatures soared past 34C.
Good morning
08:56 , Niva Yadav
Welcome back to the Standard’s coverage of what is set to be another scorcher for the capital.
Yesterday saw a drought officially declared in London and six other regions of the UK.
Today is set to be slightly cooler at 27C, but authorities will still be on high alert for potential wildfires following two grass fires in Romford yesterday.
Stay with us for the latest developments as the mercury rises on a another sunny day in London.
Footage shows fast moving fire in Romford
Wednesday 29 July 2026 20:10 , Matt Watts
Footage has been shared online of a fast-moving grass fire in Romford.
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Southern Way, where around four acres of grassland was damaged by fire. The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 11 calls to the fire at 1615 and sent crews from Leytonstone, Wennington, Homerton, Bethnal Green and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was brought under control by 1750.
A further eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters also responded to a separate grass fire near Eastern Avenue West, where around 20 acres westbound and another 10 acres eastbound were damaged by fire.The fire was under control by 19.16.
Footage of one of the fires was shared online - with the fire reportedly moving across a field in three minutes.
That escalated quickly - flash fire in Romford - took 3 mins to cross the field #romfordfire pic.twitter.com/iSEYgqc8pb
— Tony Brennand (@TonyBrennand) July 29, 2026
Potential for rain and cooling weather to come - Met Office
Wednesday 29 July 2026 18:54 , Patrick Daly
The Met Office said there is the potential for much needed rain to fall in the coming days in London.
Speaking to The Standard, operational meteorologist Niamh Murray said: “The odd shower is possible through tomorrow afternoon and evening, but not very much in the way of accumulation.
“Tomorrow we have a very weak cold front pushing across London through mid to late afternoon and that will bring thickening cloud, at least for a short period, and that is what is allowing for potentially one or two drops of rain to develop.
“We then turn to dry and settled conditions through the weekend.”
The expert said Thursday would bring cooler temperatures than Wednesday’s 34C peak in the capital, reaching a maximum of about 28C.
“Although that is still quite a bit above average and warm, given the temperatures that have been experienced today, it is going to feel sightly more bearable for many, with the temperatures then staying in the mid to high 20s across the weekend,” she added.
Ms Murray said there is “the potential on Monday to see some form of rain” although it was hard to predict for certain that far ahead.
Wednesday 29 July 2026 18:29 , Matt Watts
Footage shared online has shown smoke billowing across the sky as firefighters fight two grass fires in Romford.
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Southern Way, where around four acres of grassland was damaged by fire.
The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 11 calls to the fire near Bridport Avenue at 4.15pm and sent crews from Leytonstone, Wennington, Homerton, Bethnal Green and surrounding fire stations to the scene.
The fire was brought under control by 5.50.pm
A further eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters are also responding to a separate grass fire near Eastern Avenue West.
Live incident ….
— YEDIS DRONE SHOTS (@yedisdroneshots) July 29, 2026
Huge filed fire off London Road, Romford !
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters are tackling a grass fire near Bridport Avenue in Romford
Around three acres of grassland is currently alight
The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 11 calls… pic.twitter.com/3imahqYeLr
Station Commander Ryan Kerby, who is at the scene of the fire neat Eastern Avenue West, said: "Firefighters are working tirelessly in arduous conditions to bring the fire under control and protect nearby properties.
"There is significant traffic disruption in the area due to road closures, and we urge people to avoid the area wherever possible.
"The fire is also producing a large amount of smoke. While we appreciate it's a very hot day, we are asking local residents to keep their windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering their homes."
The first call to the fire near Eastern Avenue West was received at 1714 and crews from Woodford, Whitechapel, Barking, Euston and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.
The cause of the fires are not known at this time.
Smoke billows across the sky as firefighters battle two grass fires
Wednesday 29 July 2026 18:26 , Matt Watts
An image shared online has shown smoke billowing across the sky as firefighters fight two grass fires in Romford.
Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Southern Way, where around four acres of grassland was damaged by fire.
The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 11 calls to the fire near Bridport Avenue at 4.15pm and sent crews from Leytonstone, Wennington, Homerton, Bethnal Green and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was brought under control by 5.50.pm
A further eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters are also responding to a separate grass fire near Eastern Avenue West.
Station Commander Ryan Kerby, who is at the scene of the fire neat Eastern Avenue West, said: "Firefighters are working tirelessly in arduous conditions to bring the fire under control and protect nearby properties.
"There is significant traffic disruption in the area due to road closures, and we urge people to avoid the area wherever possible.
"The fire is also producing a large amount of smoke. While we appreciate it's a very hot day, we are asking local residents to keep their windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering their homes."
The first call to the fire near Eastern Avenue West was received at 1714 and crews from Woodford, Whitechapel, Barking, Euston and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.
The cause of the fires are not known at this time.
Wednesday 29 July 2026 17:56 , Matt Watts
At least 60 firefighters are involved in tackling a grass fire in east London, according to the city’s fire service.
The London Fire Brigade said eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters are tackling a grass fire near Bridport Avenue in Romford.
Approximately three acres of grassland is currently alight. The cause of the fire is unknown.
A spokesman said: “The brigade's control officers took the first of 11 calls to the fire at 4.15pm and sent crews from Leytonstone, Wennington, Homerton, Bethnal Green and surrounding fire stations to the scene.”
Huge London grass fire burns amid 'exceptionally high' wildfire threat
Firefighters are currently responding to a grass fire in #Romford, where around three acres of grassland are alight.
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) July 29, 2026
Please avoid the area where possible https://t.co/5mJgQyHDBS pic.twitter.com/fOtiR5G9JD
Firefighters dealing with grass fire in east London
Wednesday 29 July 2026 17:36 , Patrick Daly
At least 60 firefighters are involved in tackling a grass fire in east London, according to the city’s fire service.
The London Fire Brigade said eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters are tackling a grass fire near Bridport Avenue in Romford.
Approximately three acres of grassland is currently alight. The cause of the fire is unknown.
A spokesman said: “The brigade's control officers took the first of 11 calls to the fire at 4.15pm and sent crews from Leytonstone, Wennington, Homerton, Bethnal Green and surrounding fire stations to the scene.”
Firefighters are currently responding to a grass fire in #Romford, where around three acres of grassland are alight.
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) July 29, 2026
Please avoid the area where possible https://t.co/5mJgQyHDBS pic.twitter.com/fOtiR5G9JD
Cooling off
Wednesday 29 July 2026 16:44 , Patrick Daly
For Londoners suffering in the heat, they will be glad to hear that temperatures are expected to drop as the week goes on.
But while some areas of England are due for rain, there is no guarantee the capital will see any wet weather in the coming days.
Mark Sidaway, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: “It looks as though amounts of rain for many will be fairly modest, and won’t balance out the shortfall that we have recorded this summer.
“It’s still possible that some areas of the south will miss out and see little or no rainfall.”
London hits peak Wednesday temperature
Wednesday 29 July 2026 15:46 , Patrick Daly
London reached a peak of 34.4C on Wednesday, according to Met Office readings.
That was the top temperature recorded at Heathrow airport in south-west London at 2pm.
Forecasters expect the temperature to start consistently dropping from 7pm. Thursday is set to be cooler, with a high of 27C.
Environment Agency steps up water controls
Wednesday 29 July 2026 14:40 , Patrick Daly
The Environment Agency said it has “stepped up” its response to the dry, hot weather. Its officers are engaging in enhanced monitoring and controlling how much water can be taken from rivers and ground waters.
Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chair of the National Drought Group, said: “The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.
“A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife, and the economy.
“We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture.”
EA said water companies are being told to prioritise fixing leaks while efforts are being made to work with farmers, water companies and others to secure water supplies into the autumn.
Half of UK experiencing 'flash drought'
Wednesday 29 July 2026 14:04 , Matt Watts
Swathes of England are suffering from “flash drought” as a result of very low rainfall and high temperatures, the Environment Agency has said.
A flash drought is one which has come on quickly despite a very wet winter.
July is set to be the driest month on record, with England having just 7% of expected rainfall, and southern England seeing just 1%.
The government agency earlier said seven areas of central, eastern and southern England – around half of the country – have been declared as officially in drought.
The areas are East Anglia, Hertfordshire and the whole of London, Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex – covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
Wednesday 29 July 2026 13:56 , Matt Watts
Sadiq Khan should look to the French and impose driving restrictions in the capital during periods of high ozone pollution, the leader of the Green Party on the London Assembly has said.
Ozone forms near the ground when other pollutants react together in strong sunlight with car and factory chemical emissions.
Although the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere benefits us by shielding us from harmful UV, ozone in the lower atmosphere is very harmful. Heatwaves push up the levels of ozone pollution.
Read the full story below.
‘Be more French’: Sadiq Khan urged to impose speed limit cuts and driving restrictions during high ozone pollution
Environment Agency declares London is in drought
Wednesday 29 July 2026 13:01 , Patrick Daly
London has been declared by the Environment Agency as officially being in a state of drought.
The arms-length government body said the definition had been reached after July saw just one per cent of expected rainfall fall across southern England.
The Environment Agency monitors ecological conditions and uses four stages to describe the situation and its response.
The first is prolonged dry weather, characterised by a period of dry weather that is impacting on river flows, groundwater levels and water levels in lakes and reservoirs. Drought is the next stage, marked by further deterioration to the environment and impacting agriculture, people and businesses.
The next phases are severe drought followed by recovering from drought.
It comes after Thames Water introduced a temporary hosepipe ban for 10 million of its drinking water customers due to a lack of rainfall.
Blackheath turns brown
Wednesday 29 July 2026 11:49 , Michael Howie
London’s parks have become extremely parched since the beginning the long dry spell.
It hasn’t rained in the capital since June 27 - some 32 days ago - when thunderstorms swept the capital.
According to BBC Weather, it may be another week or even longer before it rains again.
The drought is the longest in London since 2018, when it didn’t rain for 47 days, according to Wanstead Meteo.
MP warns: 'Stay indoors between 11am and 3pm'
Wednesday 29 July 2026 11:17 , Michael Howie
As London faces another scorching hot day, London MP Stella Creasy is warning people to avoid the peak of the heat.
"It’s predicted to be 32 degrees Celsius - best to avoid being outdoors 11am to 3pm, close your windows and blinds to the sun and stay hydrated," the Walthamstow Labour MP posted on X earlier.
Tomorrow it’s predicted to be 32 degrees Celsius - best to avoid being outdoors 11am to 3pm, close your windows and blinds to the sun and stay hydrated. Please check on the vulnerable and all children legally required to have as many ice lollies as possible…😉
— stellacreasy (@stellacreasy) July 28, 2026
Air con and cool… pic.twitter.com/0sl5Cscups
Firefighters tackle south London wildfire
Wednesday 29 July 2026 11:14 , Michael Howie
Around 60 firefighters have tackled a grass fire near Orpington in south London.
Around half an acre of a cornfield was destroyed by yesterday afternoon’s fire, which also damaged two motor vehicles and an outbuilding.
The landowner had cut firebreaks into the perimeter of the corn field, creating a border that limited the fire’s ability to spread.
London Fire Brigade Station Commander Craig Fenner said: “The presence of an existing firebreak at this incident made a significant difference to our firefighting operations. Limiting the spread of the fire allowed our crews the time to get the fire under control before it could do anymore damage.
“With the hot weather set to continue, we’re asking landowners across the capital to consider where they can create firebreaks to reduce the risk of wildfires spreading in an emergency.”
The brigade was alerted to the blaze at 1.20pm. It was brought under control by 3.30pm.
Earlier in the week, experts warned that any wildfires in London could be “exceptionally severe” on Wednesday due to the extreme dry and warm weather, combined with low humidity.
34C or even higher today
Wednesday 29 July 2026 10:57 , Michael Howie
The temperature is set to spike sharply this afternoon with a high of 34C or even 35C on the cards.
It could be as much as six degrees Centigrade above yesterday’s high in London.
Parts of the UK are in their fourth heatwave of the year.
But whether London is in a heatwave this week is too close to call, with temperatures potentially dropping below the 28C threshold tomorrow.
A heatwave is declared in London when the mercury reaches 28C on three consecutive day.
A high of 29.9C was reached yesterday, but it didn’t get any warmer than 27C on Monday.
Hot for some, wet for others. Find out what's in store for you by checking out Wednesday's 4cast 👇 pic.twitter.com/q2gmnt67SK
— Met Office (@metoffice) July 28, 2026
Good morning
Wednesday 29 July 2026 10:40 , Michael Howie
We’re launching our coverage of weather on what is set to be another extremely hot day in London.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 34C or 35C in the capital this afternoon as a fourth UK heatwave of the year peaks.
We’ll keep you informed of the major developments as the temperature rises over the next few hours.
