Nearly three-quarters of England is set to be hit by drought conditions as the summer of extreme heat continues to wreak havoc on the UK.
While around half of England and the entirety of Wales are already in what meteorologists call a "flash drought", with 23 million Brits facing strict hosepipe bans and reservoirs running low, many more parts of the country are expected to join them. Around 19 counties saw no rain at all last month.
Farmers Warn of Brutal Harvest
Farmers have warned of a "brutal harvest", while wildfires have broken out across the country amid the tinder-dry conditions. Brits are being told to check on vulnerable loved ones, especially the elderly, as rising temperatures continue to put increased pressure on the NHS.
Polly Ashmore, acting consultant in public health at the UK Health Security Agency, said: "For vulnerable groups including older adults and those with existing health conditions, warmer weather can result in serious health outcomes.
"We urge health and social care services to ensure they are prepared and encourage people to check on vulnerable friends and family to make sure everyone is aware of the forecast, follows the necessary advice and stays safe in this period of hot weather."
Water Companies Urged to Cut Leaks
Water Minister Emma Hardy has told water companies to do more to cut leaks, which increase in hot weather as pipes move in dry soils, as well as urging the public to reduce water consumption by turning off taps when brushing teeth or fixing a leaking toilet.
Hardy, who attended the National Drought Group, said: "We know how challenging this summer has been, especially for our hard-working farmers who are at the sharp end of climate change and an increasing number of floods and droughts.
"We are stepping up our support including working to make it easier for farmers to build more on-site irrigation reservoirs. We are also delivering long-term change in the water industry to reduce leaks and deliver nine new reservoirs and water transfer schemes to secure supplies."
Heat Alerts and Forecast
There is little relief in sight, with amber heat-health alerts covering most of England from Tuesday until Friday and temperatures forecast to reach as high as 36C on Thursday.
Met Office chief forecaster Jason Kelly said: "Heat will gradually build this week, with temperatures reaching into the mid-30s Celsius in what will be a fairly widespread heatwave for England and Wales.
"Any rain arriving over the weekend is unlikely to make up for months of exceptionally dry weather."
Impact on Food Prices
The conditions could also hit Brits in the pocket. Lib Dem MP Alistair Carmichael warned: "The problems for farmers today will be the problems for consumers in six or 12 months' time."
He added that reduced wheat and barley yields, alongside problems for vegetable growers across Britain and Europe, could mean "further food price inflation shocks for everybody" later this year.
