The UK is set to face a new hosepipe ban as the Met Office issues urgent thunderstorm warnings across several regions. Millions of households could soon be hit with water restrictions, despite forecasts predicting heavy rainfall in the coming days.
Weather Chaos Ahead
Meteorologists have warned of severe thunderstorms sweeping across parts of the country, bringing torrential downpours and potential flooding. However, water companies argue that the short-term deluge won't be enough to replenish reservoirs after months of below-average rainfall.
Where the Ban Will Hit
The new hosepipe restrictions are expected to affect several counties in southern and eastern England, including:
- Kent
- Sussex
- Essex
- Hampshire
Residents in these areas will be prohibited from using hosepipes for gardening, washing cars, or filling swimming pools.
Met Office's Stark Warning
The weather service has released maps showing areas at highest risk of extreme weather events in the coming week. Yellow warnings for thunderstorms have been issued for:
- South East England
- London
- East Anglia
- Parts of the Midlands
"While we're expecting significant rainfall, it's likely to come in intense bursts that won't properly soak into the ground," explained a Met Office spokesperson.
Water Companies Defend Decision
Utility firms have come under fire for implementing bans despite the forecast. A Thames Water representative stated: "Our reservoirs are still well below capacity for this time of year. These storms might cause surface water flooding while doing little to address the underlying drought conditions."
Environment experts warn that climate change is making these weather extremes more common, with periods of drought increasingly punctuated by intense rainfall events that the parched ground struggles to absorb.
