The Met Office has issued the warning for Thursday, covering the capital and surrounding regions. Sections of the South East, East Midlands, East of England, West Midlands and South Yorkshire are also included. Danger of wildfires risingThe heat and dry conditions have sparked 966 wildfires across England and Wales so far this year. Widespread drought and health risksThe prolonged heat and dryness have left nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales in drought. Additional heatwaves followed in July, which was the driest on record in England and Wales since records began in 1836.