Overview

• The Met Office forecasts temperatures to reach 24°C on Friday, about 10°C above the seasonal average, marking the hottest day of the year so far.
• A high pressure system is creating dry, settled conditions, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires across the UK.
• Fire services report over 286 wildfires this year, more than 100 above the same period in 2022, with some incidents believed to be deliberate ignitions.
• London Fire Brigade and other agencies have urged residents to avoid using barbecues and take precautions to prevent accidental fires.
• England experienced its sixth driest March on record, with similarly low rainfall in Wales, underscoring the climate challenges contributing to the crisis.