London Parks Advise Against Deckchairs Under Trees

Royal Parks staff have received new instructions to avoid placing deckchairs beneath tree canopies. This precautionary measure comes as the UK anticipates another heatwave, with temperatures expected to peak around Wednesday, 28 July. The charity, which manages numerous green spaces including Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, is taking these steps due to concerns about falling branches during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather.

Understanding 'Summer Branch Drop'

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The phenomenon known as 'summer branch drop' occurs when trees shed branches due to stress caused by extended dry, hot conditions, sometimes exacerbated by subsequent heavy rain. A spokesperson for Royal Parks acknowledged the complexity of managing a large number of trees and stated that while risk cannot be entirely eliminated, active measures are taken to reduce it. Expert arboricultural teams conduct regular inspections, particularly in areas with high public footfall and during extreme weather. Where risks are identified, essential tree maintenance is performed.

Heat Alert and Fire Risks

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for London and other regions, effective from Tuesday to Thursday. This alert warns of potential health risks, especially for vulnerable individuals, as temperatures rise. The Met Office has indicated that fires could be exceptionally severe in London and surrounding areas by Wednesday if they ignite, due to the current hot and dry conditions. On Monday, firefighters in London dealt with three grass fires in Enfield, Bexley, and Erith, which damaged approximately four hectares of land. The Assistant Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, Pam Oparaocha, urged the public to help prevent incidents, noting that wildfires require significant resources and can have devastating consequences for people, property, wildlife, and the environment. Ms Oparaocha also advised against taking disposable barbecues to parks and open spaces.

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Record July Temperatures

Provisional data from the Met Office indicates that July has been, on average, 3C hotter than usual across the UK. This trend suggests the month could rank among the hottest three or four Julys on record.