Fire chiefs in London have warned the capital faces an “extreme” risk of wildfires this weekend as the city continues to bake in soaring temperatures.
A trackside bushfire fire caused chaos for commuters, shutting Stratford station and suspending train services.
The fire broke out around 7pm on Friday and was under control by around 9.30pm, but the travel disruption has continued into Saturday.
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.
Temperatures topped 31C in London on Friday with the hot weather set to continue to next weekend and beyond.
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'Extreme' wildfire risk in place in London, says London Fire Brigade
An “extreme” wildfire risk notice has been put in place by the London Fire Brigade from Saturday until at least Monday.
The brigade warns that the capital’s wildfire risk has been upgraded from “elevated” to “extreme” as another sunny weekend looms.
The assessment by the Natural Hazards Partnership was based on factors including prolonged dry weather, wind speed, and heat.
While wildfires can occur naturally, the majority are caused by human behaviour, whether that’s accidental or deliberate.
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall said: “We want everyone across the city to enjoy the continuing heatwave but this must be done responsibly.
““With so many of London’s parks and open spaces close to properties and communities, it is vital the public take as much care as possible to prevent these fires starting in the first place. We have seen first-hand in London, as well as around the world, just how devastating the impact wildfires can have on livelihoods.
“That means no disposable barbecues in parks and open spaces, taking rubbish home with you if no bins are available and ensuring your cigarettes are discarded of properly.
“If you’re having a barbecue at home, make sure it is on level ground and away from decking, fences, trees and balconies.”
More record-setting temperatures
The Met Office has said that temperatures peaked at 35.2C on Friday at Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire.
That makes 2026 was the first year ever in which temperatures of 35C or higher have been recorded on six separate days.
All hosepipe bans announced in the UK so far
Dozens of fish found dead in Wimbledon Park
Dozens of fish have been found dead in Wimbledon Park Lake prompting an investigation by Merton Council.
Council officers are currently removing the fish from the 20-acre lake to protect water quality and minimise any impact on wildlife.
An investigation is ongoing but initial findings suggest the likely cause is the “prolonged period of exceptionally hot weather”.
High temperatures can deplete oxygen levels in the lake, with similar incidents found across the country during the recent heatwaves.
You can read the full story here:
Investigation launched after dozens of fish die in south London lake
Initial findings suggest the likely cause is the ‘prolonged period of exceptionally hot weather’
Where can you cool off in the heat?
On another scorching day, countless Londoners will be looking for somewhere to keep cool this weekend.
The capital is spoilt for choice when it comes to blue spaces, from outdoor lidos to swimming ponds and lockes.
Grab your cossie and head to Hampstead Heath ponds for a freshwater dip or try London’s newest swimming pool at Sea Lanes in Canary Wharf.
Here are Evening Standard’s top picks:
The best lidos and outdoor swimming pools in London
Here are the best outdoor swimming spots to cool off at during the hot weather
Met calls for public to 'hold back' on 999 calls
Deputy Metropolitan Police commissioner Matt Jukes has called on the public to “hold back” on non-emergency calls amid the heatwave.
Speaking on LBC Radio on Friday ahead of a weekend when England plays again in the Fifa World Cup and temperatures are expected to remain high, he said: “We’re going to see more calls. We’re going to see more drinking. I hope we’re going to see more great goals for England, and we’re going to see success.”
He added: “Call us on the things we need to. Please hold back on the calls we don’t need to take.
“Officers out there are melting in the heat but they will be there to come to you if you need us.”
The London police force also said in a post on X that it is seeing an increase in 999 calls that are not emergencies.
It added that people should only call the number if there is “an immediate danger to life, someone is using or threatening violence, or a crime is happening right now”.
RAC warns of extra strain on cars during heatwave
The RAC has warned drivers that vehicles will again be facing extra strain during the hotter weather, especially older ones and those with underlying issues.
Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesperson, said: “We’re consistently seeing hundreds more breakdowns every day compared to what is normal for July, with overall daily callouts up by 20%.
“We expect breakdown numbers to continue to rise again over the coming days, with battery failures, overheated engines and tyre-related problems all becoming more likely as temperatures keep climbing.”
Mr Dennis added that breaking down in a heatwave can be “far more than just an inconvenience”, adding that being stranded in direct sunlight can become dangerous very quickly, and that drivers should ensure they have plenty of water with them.
He also said drivers should carry out a “few simple checks” before setting off, including ensuring coolant and oil are at the correct levels, checking tyres are in good condition and properly inflated, and not ignoring dashboard warning lights.
“With hot weather now becoming a more regular feature of UK summers, preparing both themselves and their vehicle for extreme temperatures is more important than ever,” he said.
Another hosepipe ban to begin from next Friday
Affinity Water has announced it will introduce a hosepipe ban across its central region from Friday July 17.
Customers across Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey and parts of London will not be able to use hosepipes for watering their garden, washing cars, outdoor areas or windows or filling up swimming or paddling pools
The utility said the region has seen a continued pattern of hot, dry weather and demand for water is higher than would normally be expected – up 20% on average.
The company is currently receiving less water than usual from Grafham Water reservoir, which would usually provide around 10% of the region’s supply, it added.
While Affinity Water is allowed to take a set amount of water each year from the environment, such as rivers and underground aquifers – the firm said it is at risk of demand exceeding what its licence allows it to supply, which would put further strain on local water sources and increase the risk of disruption to customers over the coming months.
The company said the ban will remain in place until water resources recover sufficiently and demand returns to a sustainable level.
The brutal reality behind the 1976 heatwave
The onslaught of heatwaves this year bears resemblance to the famous summer of 1976 and many comparisons are already being drawn between the two.
In fact, the 2026 heatwave has broken many of the records set in 1976.
But there is a dark reality to heatwave that goes beyond just sweaty nights, clammy train journeys, and hosepipe bans.
Scorching semi-final at Wimbledon
The Wimbledon semi-final between Fery and Zverev is underway in SW19.
But spectators will need more than a few glasses of champagne to cool them down as temperatures have now climbed to a sweltering 30C.
Luckily, handheld fans are being sold at the Wimbledon shop for the first time and there are plenty of water stations on site.
