Drought to Be Extended as Fifth Heatwave Builds
Drought is expected to be formally extended to more of England this week as the country braces for its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to climb towards the mid-30s. Forecasters warned that a long-standing heat record could be broken next week. It follows the driest July on record and a spread of hosepipe bans.
Another blast of extreme heat would pile fresh strain on health services, transport and water supplies already stretched by a summer of records, and sharpen the wildfire risk across tinder-dry land. Water companies have urged restraint as reservoirs run low and bans spread to more regions. Farmers warn the relentless heat and lack of rain are damaging crops and will push up food prices into the autumn. Scientists link the intensifying, lengthening heat to a warming climate. Watch how high temperatures climb and how far the drought is extended.