UK Grapples with Record Heat and Widespread Drought
Southern England experienced its driest July on record as health alerts remain in force across much of the country.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Callum Smith
Southern England recorded its driest July on record, intensifying drought conditions across the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, South East, and London. These alerts remain in effect until 09:00 BST on Wednesday 5 August.
Yellow heat health alerts also cover the North West, South West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber. The latest high temperatures could lead more vulnerable individuals to require medical treatment.
Two heatwaves in May and June contributed to more than 2,800 excess deaths. Firefighters currently battle a significant wildfire in the Rhondda valley, South Wales, impacting 150 hectares of land.
Rain and showers are forecast for Tuesday in Northern Ireland, Scotland, western England, and Wales. The Met Office identifies 134 areas expecting precipitation.
However, much of the Midlands, east, and south-east England are expected to remain dry. Some parts of southern England may still not see rain, with the South East continuing to experience little rainfall.
One of the most severe droughts many farmers and growers have lived through.
Areas that do experience heavy downpours face a risk of flash flooding. Temperatures are anticipated to decrease gradually during the latter half of the week.
Farming leaders describe the current situation as "one of the most severe droughts many farmers and growers have lived through." Farmers warn that shoppers could see gaps on supermarket shelves later this year.