London weather LIVE: Grass fires burn as drought declared in capital and temperatures reach heatwave high

London is facing the threat of severe wildfires as forecasts show little sign of rain in the capital. The risk from blazes in capital, now officially in a drought, is “very high” today according to a Natural England fire severity index.In Suffolk, a major incident has been declared after a large heathland blaze erupted on the coast at Dunwich Heath, near Leiston.Temperatures in London are expected to ease today with a high of 27C predicted after a high of 34C yesterday. Follow the latest updates below...Is the heatwave over?Three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 28C is required for it to be considered a heatwave. Today is set to peak at 27C, which could mark the end of London’s fourth heatwave. But, only time will tell whether this latest heatwave is truly over. The fourth heatwave of the year could be coming to an endGetty'Exceptionally high' wildfire threatParts of the capital are facing an “exceptionally high” wildfire threat as London sees one of its longest spells without a single drop of rain. Though temperatures are predicted to fall on Thursday, forecasters aren’t predicting rain until Tuesday at the earliest, according to BBC Weather. The Standard has produced a map showing the exact areas where wildfires could be the most severe in London. Today's outlookMercifully, today will be cooler than yesterday with temperatures set to reach 27C by this afternoon, according to the Met Office. The mercury will peak by 2pm and is not projected to fall until around 8pm tonight, when the temperature will drop to 24C. It’s still going to be a warm night - though not quite tropical. The temperature will gradually rise to 27C by 2pm todayMet OfficeSeveral parts of UK in droughtSwathes of England are facing drought conditions after very low rainfall and high temperatures, the Environment Agency said. In addition to London, East Anglia, Hertfordshire, Thames Valley, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex, are all officially in drought. This is the third drought in the past five years and comes as another heatwave looks to grip the capital. Swathes of the UK are suffering from “flash drought”PA GraphicsWATCH: Huge grass fires rage in east London as residents try to dampen flames Around 120 firefighters were called to tackle two grass fires in east London yesterday. Videos show the fire ripping through a field, while in more footage shared online, residents can be seen desperately trying to calm flames with a garden hose.The substantial grass fire in Romford comes as the wildfire threat in London has been raised to “exceptionally high” and temperatures soared past 34C. Good morning Welcome back to the Standard’s coverage of what is set to be another scorcher for the capital. Yesterday saw a drought officially declared in London and six other regions of the UK. Today is set to be slightly cooler at 27C, but authorities will still be on high alert for potential wildfires following two grass fires in Romford yesterday. Stay with us for the latest developments as the mercury rises on a another sunny day in London. Footage shows fast moving fire in RomfordFootage has been shared online of a fast-moving grass fire in Romford.Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Southern Way, where around four acres of grassland was damaged by fire. The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 11 calls to the fire at 1615 and sent crews from Leytonstone, Wennington, Homerton, Bethnal Green and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was brought under control by 1750.A further eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters also responded to a separate grass fire near Eastern Avenue West, where around 20 acres westbound and another 10 acres eastbound were damaged by fire.The fire was under control by 19.16. Footage of one of the fires was shared online - with the fire reportedly moving across a field in three minutes. Potential for rain and cooling weather to come - Met OfficeThe Met Office said there is the potential for much needed rain to fall in the coming days in London. Speaking to The Standard, operational meteorologist Niamh Murray said: “The odd shower is possible through tomorrow afternoon and evening, but not very much in the way of accumulation.“Tomorrow we have a very weak cold front pushing across London through mid to late afternoon and that will bring thickening cloud, at least for a short period, and that is what is allowing for potentially one or two drops of rain to develop.“We then turn to dry and settled conditions through the weekend.”The expert said Thursday would bring cooler temperatures than Wednesday’s 34C peak in the capital, reaching a maximum of about 28C.“Although that is still quite a bit above average and warm, given the temperatures that have been experienced today, it is going to feel sightly more bearable for many, with the temperatures then staying in the mid to high 20s across the weekend,” she added.Ms Murray said there is “the potential on Monday to see some form of rain” although it was hard to predict for certain that far ahead. Footage shared online has shown smoke billowing across the sky as firefighters fight two grass fires in Romford.Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Southern Way, where around four acres of grassland was damaged by fire.The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 11 calls to the fire near Bridport Avenue at 4.15pm and sent crews from Leytonstone, Wennington, Homerton, Bethnal Green and surrounding fire stations to the scene.The fire was brought under control by 5.50.pmA further eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters are also responding to a separate grass fire near Eastern Avenue West.Station Commander Ryan Kerby, who is at the scene of the fire neat Eastern Avenue West, said: "Firefighters are working tirelessly in arduous conditions to bring the fire under control and protect nearby properties."There is significant traffic disruption in the area due to road closures, and we urge people to avoid the area wherever possible."The fire is also producing a large amount of smoke. While we appreciate it's a very hot day, we are asking local residents to keep their windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering their homes."The first call to the fire near Eastern Avenue West was received at 1714 and crews from Woodford, Whitechapel, Barking, Euston and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.The cause of the fires are not known at this time.Smoke billows across the sky as firefighters battle two grass fires An image shared online has shown smoke billowing across the sky as firefighters fight two grass fires in Romford.Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Southern Way, where around four acres of grassland was damaged by fire.The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 11 calls to the fire near Bridport Avenue at 4.15pm and sent crews from Leytonstone, Wennington, Homerton, Bethnal Green and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was brought under control by 5.50.pmA further eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters are also responding to a separate grass fire near Eastern Avenue West.Station Commander Ryan Kerby, who is at the scene of the fire neat Eastern Avenue West, said: "Firefighters are working tirelessly in arduous conditions to bring the fire under control and protect nearby properties."There is significant traffic disruption in the area due to road closures, and we urge people to avoid the area wherever possible."The fire is also producing a large amount of smoke. While we appreciate it's a very hot day, we are asking local residents to keep their windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering their homes."The first call to the fire near Eastern Avenue West was received at 1714 and crews from Woodford, Whitechapel, Barking, Euston and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.The cause of the fires are not known at this time.