To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Met Office raises risk of wildfire in the UK to ‘very high’ as heatwave continues

Met Office raises risk of wildfire in the UK to ‘very high’ as heatwave continues

As temperatures continue to rise, the Met Office has raise the wildfire risk in large parts of the UK.

If you live in the UK, you'll know it is pretty hot right now and that doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.

You know us Brits, we love to talk about the weather, it is the only thing we talk about as a matter of fact.

And it usually involves us moaning about the climate, whether that is because it's too cold or too hot.

While it is nice to be baking in close to 30 degrees heat in some parts of the country, the risk of wildfires is certainly increasing.

Though we tend to see the huge, devastating wildfires in the like of Australia and the US, they are possible in the UK too.

The risk of a wildfire has been raised to 'very high'.
PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

In fact, as the temperatures continue to risk in the UK, the Met Office has raised the wildfire risk to 'very high' over much of England and parts of Wales.

The Met Office fire severity index shows how the current heatwave and a lack of rain is combining to create tinder-dry conditions.

This could pose a problem with roasting temperatures set to continue until at least the end of the week.

It is highly unusual for this risk to be issued so early in the summer. You'd usually expect it, if ever, towards the end of July and start of August.

That is because the rain we tend to have prior to the sunny June period produces lush vegetation for several weeks.

However, the landscape is unusually dry this year, meaning an increased chance of wildfires starting.

The obvious reason for the increased risk at such an early stage is climate change, with the UK Wildfire Tactical Advisor Craig Hope saying just that.

The risk has been raised as the heatwave continues.
Jeff Morgan 12 / Alamy Stock Photo

He told Sky News: "It is very early in the summer and last year when we had the fires in London, that was extreme, but that was a lot later in the year.

"How this year will build now is quite worrying."

An extreme wildfire warning already covers northeast Scotland, with firefighters called out on Saturday (10 June) to tackle a blaze that broke out near Inverness.

Villagers near the area had been asked to stay indoors and close all windows and doors to prevent smoke inhalation.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said at its worse, six fire engines and specialist resources were sent out to tackle the blaze.

Featured Image Credit: Jeff Morgan 12 / PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Topics: UK News, Weather