Millions More Britons Face Hosepipe Ban as UK Heatwave Raises Drought Fears

LONDON: Millions more people across England are set to face hosepipe restrictions as the United Kingdom endures its third heatwave of the year, with soaring temperatures and prolonged dry conditions increasing the risk of drought and placing mounting pressure on water supplies.

Water companies have announced additional temporary use bans affecting millions of households, prohibiting the use of hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, filling paddling pools and cleaning patios. Customers who breach the restrictions could face fines of up to £1,000, although exemptions remain in place for certain medical and commercial uses.

The latest restrictions come as the UK recorded its eighth day this year with temperatures reaching or exceeding 34°C (93°F), surpassing the previous annual record of seven such days. Forecasters have warned that parts of southern England could see temperatures climb to 36°C, while health authorities have issued heat alerts for several regions.

The Environment Agency has warned that persistently low rainfall and exceptionally high water demand have left rivers, reservoirs and groundwater levels under increasing strain. Water suppliers are urging households to conserve water to help safeguard supplies during the ongoing spell of hot, dry weather.

Meteorologists say the current heatwave is part of a broader pattern of increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events across Europe, with climate experts warning that prolonged periods of high temperatures and drought are becoming more common as global temperatures continue to rise.