Fifth Heatwave Looms as Heat Alerts Return
Britain is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the year next week, with temperatures forecast to climb to around 35C and heat-health alerts coming into force. It follows a new hosepipe ban in the South West and the driest July on record, with drought gripping much of the country. Forecasters warned of little rain to relieve the parched conditions.
Another spell of extreme heat would pile fresh strain on health services, transport and water supplies already stretched by a summer of records. Amber alerts warn of a likely rise in illness and deaths among the elderly and vulnerable, and the wildfire risk climbs with every dry day. Water companies have urged restraint as reservoirs run low and bans spread. Farmers warn the relentless heat is damaging crops and will push up food prices. Watch how high temperatures climb and whether more suppliers impose restrictions.