More areas of UK likely to move into drought as fifth heatwave builds

More regions of the United Kingdom are expected to enter drought status this week, as a new heatwave intensifies with no significant precipitation in the forecast. Temperatures are anticipated to soar to up to 35C (95F) by mid-next week, with the UK Health Security Agency issuing yellow heat health alerts for the majority of England until 9 PM BST on Tuesday.

The Environment Agency (EA) warns that several areas of England might be placed under drought conditions, due to dwindling public water supplies, persistent dry conditions, and heightened demand for water.

Following a milder day on Monday, temperatures nationwide are expected to climb significantly from Tuesday, reaching the low to mid twenties in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the mid to high twenties in England and Wales, with some spots in eastern Wales, central, eastern, and southern England experiencing temperatures surpassing 30C. The heat wave is expected to peak on Thursday, with potential readings of 35C in southeast England, marking the fourth consecutive month with temperatures reaching this mark.

The threshold for declaring an official heatwave is likely to be met across much of England and Wales, rendering it the fifth heatwave of the year for numerous areas. Yellow heat health alerts are active for most of England until 9 PM BST on Tuesday, alerting the public about potential health and social care service implications and heightened risks to life for vulnerable populations. These alerts are expected to be revised as heatwave conditions worsen.

With the persistent hot and dry weather ongoing across the UK, drought status could be declared in additional parts of England this week. The EA has noted that several areas of England could enter drought status as public water supplies face increasing strain from sustained dry weather and high demand. Over the past seven weeks, the UK has recorded less than 10mm of rain, with east and southeast England receiving less than 1mm, according to the EA's latest drought summary. More than half of England and the entirety of Wales are already grappling with drought conditions.

Reservoir levels have continued to decline, with most of England experiencing below-normal levels, and five reservoirs classified as "exceptionally low," as reported by the EA. Wisley in Surrey has gone without rainfall for over 50 days. Southern England is nearing two months without substantial rainfall. South West Water customers were the most recent group to face a hosepipe ban, introduced on Saturday.

Currently, over 20 million individuals in the UK reside in areas experiencing prolonged dry weather, heatwaves, and high water demand, leading to restrictions on water usage.