WILDFIRES could start in some woodlands in the UK today amid soaring temperatures. 

Forecasters have issued 'very high' - the second most severe - fire weather warnings down parts of Scotland's east coast, while a similar caution is in place across England. 

According to the Met Office's Fire Severity Index (FSI) map - a five-day measurement of how severe a wildfire would be, not the likelihood - the South Downs National Park and the Peak District are among the forests braced for the worst. The 'very high' warning is due to spread to southern Wales by the end of the week. 

Issued by Firebreak Services, the Scottish warning is in place until the end of Thursday. 

Forestry Journal: A map showing the fire warnings. Brown is 'very high' risk of wildfire A map showing the fire warnings. Brown is 'very high' risk of wildfire

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Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of this week. 

“Most of us can enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm. 

“If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather.’’ 

With the climate continuing to change, wildfires are likely to become more of a regular occurrence. Just this week, firefighters spent more than a day tackling a blaze in a Norfolk forest. 

At this year's Institute of Chartered Foresters’ flagship national conference, Chris Stark, chief executive of the UK Climate Change Committee, warned foresters to prepare for the worst. 

Rebekah Sherwin, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, said: “Temperatures are likely to peak at 33C in the southeast, with warm weather likely to continue throughout this week and it looks likely to ramp up late this week and into early next week."