Drought Declared Across England and Wales Amid Record Heat
Water restrictions impact millions as temperatures climb, raising concerns for infrastructure and food supply.
Carla Rooney
Much of England and Wales are officially in drought.
Temperatures are forecast to rise through the week, with a peak heatwave likely on Thursday.
Yellow heat-health alerts remain in place for several regions in England until Tuesday evening.
Sunday marked the 34th day this year where temperatures exceeded 30C somewhere in the UK.
This week's heat could mark the fourth consecutive month where 35C has been reached in the UK.
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan stated, "If it wasn’t for this incredible summer that we’re currently seeing, then we’d be talking about these temperatures as being really, very unusual."
If it wasn’t for this incredible summer that we’re currently seeing, then we’d be talking about these temperatures as being really, very unusual.
Morgan added, "But of course, we’ve had such an exceptional summer, people have become a bit used to it."
Average temperatures across western Europe reached 21.61C for June-July, breaking the record set in 2022, according to the EU's Copernicus program.
Globally, this year is on track to be one of the hottest on record, with the heat and continuing drought conditions reportedly supercharged by the escalating climate crisis.
In stark contrast to the drought-stricken south, north-west Scotland reportedly received more than half a month's rainfall in two days.
The Environment Agency claims additional areas of England could enter drought status, with no significant rainfall expected in the foreseeable future for England and Wales.
The summer has been linked to over 2,800 excess deaths, with two record-breaking heatwaves in May and June reportedly contributing to this figure.
Health officials claim serious consequences are possible in health and social care settings, alongside a potential rise in deaths due to the coming hot weather.
Health officials indicated that Serious consequences are possible in health and social care settings, alongside a potential rise in deaths due to the coming hot weather.
Morgan claims there is a potential for impacts to infrastructure such as railway lines and power networks, and to vulnerable people.
The National Farmers Union claims continuing dry weather could lead to some food shortages.