Is climate change project fear?

Warnings are in place over the risk of wildfires as temperatures are expected to climb as high as 36C in some areas over the coming days.

Morrisons has become the latest UK supermarket to remove disposable barbecues from sale due to concerns over the fire risk they pose in hot, dry weather.

Retailers have been under pressure to suspend sales of disposable barbecues after fire brigades warned that recent dry conditions mean grassy areas are “like tinderboxes”.

The Co-op announced in June last year it would no longer sell disposable barbecues in 130 shops situated in or within a one-mile radius of national parks, while in March this year Aldi said it would no longer sell the items in any of its UK supermarkets in a bid to protect the nation’s forests and wildlife.

Temperatures reached 34.2C at Wiggonholt, West Sussex, on Thursday afternoon, and climbed above 33C in a number of places from Shropshire to the south-east of England.

Heatwave thresholds – which are met at different temperatures in different parts of the country – are likely to be hit in much of the UK.

Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said: “Persistent high pressure over the UK means temperatures have been rising day-on-day through this week and it is important people plan for the heat.

“Temperatures are expected to peak at 35C on Friday and possibly 36C over the weekend.”

source