Parts of the United Kingdom are facing an “exceptionally high” risk of wildfires due to the ongoing heatwave. The greatest danger remains in southern England and the central parts of the country, specialists from the environmental body Natural England said, PA Media reports.

According to the fire danger index, the “exceptional risk” zone could expand to the southeast and east of England by the middle of the week. Most other areas of England and Wales are rated as having a “very high” risk of fires.

Meteorologists warn that the hot and dry weather will persist in the coming days. Temperatures in many parts of the country will exceed 30 degrees, and some regions remain under heat health warnings.

Dave Swallow, deputy lead for wildfires at the National Fire Chiefs Council, noted that such conditions significantly increase the likelihood of fire spreading.

“Most wildfires start with a spark,” he said. “It could be a discarded disposable barbecue, a thrown-away cigarette, or even a glass bottle heated by the sun. Every one of us can help prevent fires.”

In recent days, fire crews have already been called out several times to tackle blazes in open areas. In Derbyshire, two moorland fires were recorded, while in the South Downs National Park in West Sussex, emergency services battled a major wildfire.

The hot weather has also led to a rise in the number of water-related accidents. Police reported the deaths of two 18-year-old men following incidents in bodies of water in Derbyshire and Greater Manchester. Authorities urged residents to exercise caution when swimming, as cold water can cause dangerous shock even in hot weather.

Amid the drought, several regions of the United Kingdom have already introduced hosepipe bans, including eastern England, Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and part of Kent.

According to the UK Met Office, 2026 became the first year on record in which temperatures above 35 degrees were recorded six times. It was also the first time such readings were registered across three separate calendar months.