The United Kingdom is experiencing its third heatwave in three months, prompting widespread hosepipe bans that now affect millions of residents. On Thursday, the UK recorded its eighth consecutive day at or above 34 degrees Celsius, breaking the previous record of seven days set in 1976 and 2020. The extreme heat follows a record-warm spring, and officials warn that drought conditions are increasingly likely in parts of the country.
Anglian Water Leads with Immediate Ban
Anglian Water has announced a hosepipe ban for its more than five million customers in the East of England, effective from 1 a.m. on Saturday. The utility has urged customers to comply with the restrictions immediately, even before the official start date. The company stated that local water resources are under significant pressure due to record demand and low rainfall.
Cambridge Water has imposed a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers, marking the first time in three decades that the utility has introduced such restrictions. The ban covers activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning patios, and filling swimming pools.
Affinity Water and South East Water Follow Suit
Affinity Water will introduce a hosepipe ban from July 17 for its customers across Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and parts of London. The company noted that its teams are working around the clock to maintain supplies, but demand has reached record levels following low rainfall.
South East Water implemented a ban on July 3 for areas in Kent, including Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tenterden, and Tunbridge Wells. Several other water companies have urged customers to voluntarily reduce water use, though they have not yet imposed formal restrictions.
Government and Police Respond to Crisis
Water Minister Emma Hardy met with water company executives last week to discuss preparations for a hot summer as strain on supplies intensifies. Authorities are closely monitoring East Anglia, Devon and Cornwall, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight, where water resources are particularly tight.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police has urged the public to avoid calling 999 for non-emergencies due to a surge in calls during the hot weather and the FIFA World Cup. Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said, "We're going to see more calls. We're going to see more drinking... Call us on the things we need to. Please hold back on the calls we don't need to take." He added that officers are "melting in the heat" but remain ready to respond to emergencies.
Record Heat and Drought Risk
Forecasters confirmed that last month was western Europe's hottest June on record. The prolonged heat has caused early harvests and placed additional strain on water supplies. The risk of drought in the coming weeks is growing, particularly in eastern and southern England, where hosepipe bans are now in effect or imminent.
