UK heatwave: Soaring temperatures prompt wildfire warnings

An amber extreme heat warning has come into force, with temperatures forecast to hit 37C (99F) in some parts of the UK over the next four days.

The Met Office alert for southern and central England and parts of Wales runs from midnight on Thursday until Sunday.

It has also issued its highest alert for fire severity over the weekend, warning there is an “exceptional” risk of blazes spreading in many places.

The highest temperature on Thursday was 34.2C, at Wiggonholt in West Sussex.

Firefighters have urged the public to help them prevent fires.

In some areas, wildfires have broken out due to the heat. In Ryton, Gateshead, firefighters spent more than 24 hours tackling a fire which started in a field.

“Temperatures won’t be as high as in July. But the big difference with this current heatwave is that it’s much more prolonged,” said BBC Weather forecaster Matt Taylor.

“We’ve already seen temperatures above 30C every day this week – Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – and that will continue until Sunday.”

Temperatures could reach 35C and peak at 37C in some areas between the Midlands and London, he added.