More areas of England could move into drought status this week, according to the Environment Agency (EA), as public water supplies face increasing pressure from continued dry weather and high demand. This comes as another widespread heatwave is set to develop, with no significant rain forecast.
Temperatures are expected to rise to as high as 35C by the middle of next week, with south-east England possibly reaching 35C on Thursday. This would mark the fourth consecutive month of 35C or more being recorded. Sunday will see temperatures widely reach the mid to high twenties Celsius, with south-east England possibly exceeding 30C and reaching 33C.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health alerts for most of England, which are in effect until 21:00 BST on Tuesday. These alerts warn of potential impacts on health and social care services, and an increased risk to life for vulnerable individuals.
More than half of England and all of Wales are already experiencing drought conditions. Reservoir levels across England are mostly below normal, with five classified as 'exceptionally low'. South West Water introduced a hosepipe ban on Saturday, adding to the more than 20 million people in the UK living under water usage restrictions.