Heat Alerts and Hosepipe Bans Widen as the Summer Bakes On
A fresh Thames Water hosepipe ban took effect across London on Thursday, extending restrictions that now cover more than 23 million people, as amber heat-health alerts remained in force across much of England. This year has become the first on record to see temperatures reach 35C in each of May, June and July. Water companies say prolonged heat and the driest spring on record have left reservoirs and rivers depleted.
The bans, which prohibit hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars or filling pools, follow similar curbs from suppliers across the South East. The UK Health Security Agency’s amber alerts warn of risks to the elderly and vulnerable, and health officials have urged people to stay hydrated and check on neighbours. Only a small fraction of England’s rivers are running at normal levels for the time of year. With little meaningful rain in the forecast, the pressure on water resources is set to intensify. Watch for further bans and any escalation to formal drought status.