UK heatwave - live updates: firefighters faced busiest day since WW2 as temperatures topped 40C in UK
Sixteen firefighters from the London Fire Brigade were injured tackling blazes
Firefighters faced their busiest day since the Second World War on Tuesday (19 July) as temperatures topped 40C in the UK for the first time ever.
Major incidents were declared in London, Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and South Yorkshire as fires broke out in numerous areas.
Two “large-scale” incidents took place in Upminster and the village of Wennington, east London, where black smoke billowed into the air, while flames destroyed buildings and ravaged nearby fields.
Sixteen firefighters from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) were injured tackling blazes, with two admitted to hospital. They were later discharged.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan the LFB had experienced its busiest day on record, receiving more than 2,600 calls throughout the day – seven times the usual number.
What is Wednesday’s weather forecast?
Temperatures are set to drop by up to 10C in some areas on Wednesday, with heavy showers and thunderstorms to lash parts of the country, potentially causing localised flooding.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms for parts of south east, east and central England in the afternoon and evening.
It warns people to expect flooding or lightning strikes, delays and some cancellations to train and bus services, spray and sudden flooding, road closures and possible power cuts.
It will be fresher for most places, although some parts of East Anglia will still see temperatures reach as high as 30C.