After weeks of hot weather and an uncharacteristic lack of rain, rivers and reservoirs across the UK are running dry.
Several bodies of water across the country are starting to see the impact of the persistently high temperatures, which comes as millions of people in England have been hit with water restrictions.
Several water companies have now announced hosepipe bans for a total of 23 million customers in a bid to protect the environment and reduce the strain on their treatment works and storage during peak demand.
Areas Affected
As of Monday (July 20), eight areas across England were in prolonged dry weather, which is the stage before drought. These areas are: East Anglia, West Midlands, Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire & London, Wessex, Thames, Solent & the South Downs.
Customers hit by the ban are not allowed to water their gardens, fill paddling pools or swimming pools, use a sprinkler, or clean any outdoor areas in the meantime.
Images Reveal Dry Conditions
Images reveal the low levels of water and very dry conditions in Lockwood reservoir in East London.
Helen Wakeham, Chair of the National Drought Group and Director of Water at the Environment Agency, said: "Dry weather depletes our water, while the hot conditions mean we use more of it. This is a difficult combination, and we are seeing the effects on our farmers, our wildlife, and the amount available for public and business use."
"All sectors are taking action, and we are grateful to the public for following the restrictions, where in place, to make sure there is enough water for everyone this summer. We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture."
Forecast and Advice
Images from Howden Reservoir in the Peak District as well as Lockwood Reservoir and the River Lea in London show completely dry patches where water should be flowing.
The Met Office predict the dry conditions will get some relief on Saturday with light rain predicted in the north and west.
Steve Willington, a Met Office chief forecaster, said: "The high pressure has been a key feature of the UK’s weather forecast over the last few weeks, bringing above-average temperatures and extremely dry conditions for many.
"However, we will begin to see a modest change as a weak weather front pushes south across the UK on Saturday bringing some much-needed rain, albeit it light and mainly concentrated in the north and west."
Vegetation is seen growing on the riverbed at Howden Reservoir, Peak District, as water levels fall due to sustained high temperatures and low rainfall.
Greg Wolverson, a deputy chief forecaster, added: "Fresher conditions will prevail from Sunday onwards, but temperatures will remain around average for the time of year.
"Although there is a return to rain in the forecast, we have just come out of an exceptionally dry spell and the forecast rain is unlikely to be widespread or substantial. Many areas are likely to continue experiencing prevailing dry conditions for the foreseeable future, especially in southern England."
People are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable people as the hot weather continues.
