Satellite images show the significant impact of this year's hot, dry summer across the UK, with changes visible from space at locations including historic sites, parks, and reservoirs. This follows consecutive heatwaves and above-average temperatures, which have had a noticeable effect even compared to last summer, which was the UK's warmest on record.
Almost all reservoirs in England and Wales are officially classed as having water levels below normal or low, with five being exceptionally low. Among these is Clywedog reservoir in Powys, which supplies parts of the West Midlands. The Environment Agency reports that reservoir storage in England is currently at 69%, below the long-term average of 82% for this time of year.
The dry conditions have also led to visible changes in landscapes, such as the brown fairways at Royal Birkdale during last month's Open Championship and the pale fields around Stonehenge. In London, Hyde Park's Serpentine lake was closed for swimming due to high levels of blue-green algae, a natural occurrence that can be exacerbated by warm, sunny conditions.
Experts have indicated that the combination of minimal rainfall and prolonged hot weather is likely to cause significant issues for the farming industry, potentially affecting agriculture and food prices in the coming months. Additionally, prolonged dry weather could increase the risk of flash flooding when rain eventually returns, as parched ground may struggle to absorb water.