The Met Office has issued an amber wildfire warning across London and most of the UK as the country experiences an unseasonably dry start to spring. With temperatures set to climb to 21°C by Friday, officials are urging caution as dry conditions increase the likelihood of wildfires.

The warning stretches across most of England, from Dover in Kent to Wiltshire, and will extend into Northern Ireland and southern Scotland by Wednesday. While London is set for another week of uninterrupted sunshine, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has stressed that wildfires can still occur even outside of the peak summer months.

A spokesperson for the LFB warned that the lack of rainfall has made grass and other vegetation highly flammable, increasing the risk of fires spreading rapidly. They urged the public to avoid lighting barbecues in parks, discarding cigarettes irresponsibly, or leaving glass bottles in dry grass areas, as these can act as a magnifying lens and ignite fires.

While the Met Office's amber alert does not signify immediate danger, it highlights the increased risk and advises local authorities and emergency services to remain on high alert. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to be extra cautious in outdoor spaces, particularly in nature reserves and parks where dry conditions persist.

This warning comes after a notably dry winter and early spring, leading to concerns that the UK could face a repeat of last year’s wildfire outbreaks if conditions do not improve.