How heatwaves have transformed London's green spaces

In pictures: How heatwaves and drought have transformed London's parksParks, commons and green spaces in London have dried out following weeks without significant rain

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England has officially experienced its driest July on record, and the effects are visible across London. Weeks without significant rainfall and back-to-back heatwaves have turned the capital’s green spaces dry, brittle and yellow.

The Environment Agency declared that London was among seven areas of England officially in drought status on July 29. In parts of London like Heathrow, there have been 38 consecutive dry days, tracking back to June 23.

Experts are warning that significant much-needed rainfall may not arrive in the UK until October. BBC Weather has reported that in order to alleviate the drought, there would need to be prolonged rain over a number of days and weeks. It has even been suggested that drought conditions could worsen before they improve, according to the same outlet.

Although some nights this week have been mild, scorching temperatures are set to return. Weather forecasting site WXCharts latest maps suggest potential highs of 33 or 34C in the capital next Wednesday.

Then from Wednesday August 12 until Saturday August 15, the BBC is forecasting these marks to be exceeded, making it the sixth heatwave of a scorching summer.

The capital has avoided a large area of low pressure crossing the UK, which brought areas of heavy rain, thunder and lightning to many parts of the country. This has deprived London’s green spaces from much needed water.

The capital is also braced for further wildfires, with the Met Office claiming that fires could be exceptionally severe if they start in parts of London this week as a result of the conditions.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has just endured a busy period this summer, with more than 1,300 incidents including grass fires and property fires in just one weekend.

LFB has urged people to avoid disposable barbecues, dispose of smoking materials and put litter in the bin or take it home to avoid starting wildfires.

Scroll below to see how the drought has changed London’s parks, commons and green spaces

Greenwich Park on July 10, 2026GettyPrimrose Hill on July 31, 2026PATower Bridge on August 6, 2026AFP/GettyRichmond Park on August 4, 2026AFP/GettyBlackheath on August 04, 2026 GettyMillwall's training ground contrasts the dried grass in Beckenham Park, mid-July 2026GettyPeople play cricket on a lone patch of green grass surrounded by parched land at Victoria Park in east London (Ben Whitley/PA)PA WireSutton Green Golf Club on July 25, 2026AFP/Getty An aerial view of Warren Park playing fields in JulyGettyAn aerial view shows the green square and parched, dry and yellow grass on the cricket field of Maidenhead & Bray CCAFP/Getty