UK Sets Record for Hot Days as Drought Set to Widen
Britain has recorded its highest-ever number of days above 30C in a year, forecasters said, with thirty-five such days already logged and more extreme heat to come. Drought is expected to be formally extended to more of England this week as a fresh heatwave builds. In contrast, parts of Scotland were hit by intense rainfall, with half a month’s rain falling in two days.
The record underscores how far Britain’s summers are shifting, with prolonged heat that its homes, infrastructure and health services are poorly built to withstand. The widening drought has brought hosepipe bans for tens of millions and left reservoirs and rivers depleted, while the wildfire risk climbs. The wild swings — drought in the south, deluges in the north — are the kind of volatility scientists link to a warming climate. Farmers warn the conditions are damaging crops and will push up food prices. Watch how high temperatures climb and how far the drought spreads.