The UK is on alert for a fifth heatwave this summer, with forecasts showing temperatures could reach 36C in some areas. Heat health alerts have been issued across seven regions, warning of "significant impacts" on health and wellbeing.
After a brief respite over the weekend, when temperatures dropped to the low and mid-20s in some previously baking areas, the mercury is set to climb again. The Met Office has warned it will be getting "hotter throughout this week," with temperatures already near 30C on Monday.
Heat alerts and drought
Half of England and all of Wales are already in drought, and more regions could be declared when the National Drought Group meets on Monday. Over 25 million people have restrictions on water use, according to the Environment Agency, with millions under hosepipe bans, including all South East Water and Thames Water customers.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued heat health alerts for the South West, South East, London, East of England, East Midlands, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber. "Significant" impacts are possible across health and social care services in the South East.
Record-breaking heat
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: "We'll probably see highs reaching the mid-30s quite widely on Wednesday, and indeed on Thursday too for England and Wales. On Wednesday, probably the Midlands, maybe a little bit further south, the M4 corridor, west of London, up towards the Midlands, is where we might have a small chance of reaching 36C in one or two spots. But Thursday at this stage looks the most likely hottest day of the week. So 36C is a fairly reasonable probability locally on Thursday and there's a small chance it could get even higher than that."
This year has already seen 33 days with temperatures exceeding 30C, and this week could break the record of 34 days set in 1995. It is also the first year ever where a temperature of 35C has been recorded somewhere in the UK for three consecutive months (May, June, and July).
Water restrictions and wildfire risk
Southern Water has applied for a Drought Order and Non-Essential Use Ban, which could extend restrictions to car washes and swimming pools. The prolonged dry weather has increased the risk of wildfires, similar to one that broke out in Suffolk in late July.
