Heatwave Eases but Drought Still Grips England
Cooler weather is forecast to spread across parts of Britain on Thursday after the fourth heatwave of the summer peaked at 35C, but there is still no rain in sight for the drought-hit regions. Drought has been declared across more than half of England, with hosepipe bans affecting some 23 million people. Hospitals were forced to postpone some blood tests during the hottest days.
The break in the heat brings relief for a country poorly suited to sustained high temperatures, yet does little for parched reservoirs and rivers left depleted by one of the driest spells on record. Farmers warned of damaged crops, and water companies signalled that restrictions could tighten further without significant rainfall. The wildfire risk, though easing with the temperature, remains elevated across tinder-dry land. Ministers face renewed scrutiny over leaking pipes and long-delayed reservoirs. Watch for rain and whether water restrictions spread.