South East Water has announced a hosepipe ban in Kent, affecting millions of homes near London, as the UK heatwave continues. The ban, which takes effect on July 3, carries fines of up to £1,000 for violators, though customers have been urged to comply immediately. The duration of the ban remains unclear.
Water Restrictions Across Southern England
Residents in Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, and Hampshire have also been advised to pause hosepipe use. Thames Water, which supplies London, has not yet imposed restrictions but urges customers to use water wisely, especially outdoors. The situation may change if hot and dry conditions persist.
Wessex Water advised customers to limit water use, noting on social media: "Grass is tougher than it looks. It naturally copes during hot, dry spells and will bounce back quickly when the rain returns." Affinity Water, serving areas outside London, similarly asks customers to "use water wisely."
Record-Breaking Heat and Health Warnings
A red heat warning has been issued for London on Friday, with temperatures expected to reach 36°C. This follows a "risk-to-life" alert for Thursday. Wednesday was the UK's hottest recorded June day, with 36.1°C in Gosport, Hampshire.
London mayor Sadiq Khan described the weather as of "biblical proportions," citing tropical nights, thunderstorms, extreme heat, and flash flooding. The Met Office warns that such conditions pose serious health risks, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable.
