More than seven million people across the United Kingdom are now subject to hosepipe bans as the nation endures a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 Fahrenheit). The country is experiencing its third heatwave of the year, marked by eight consecutive days with temperatures at or above 34 degrees Celsius, a new record that surpasses previous highs set in 1976 and 2020.
Anglian Water became the latest water company to implement restrictions, announcing a hosepipe ban for five million customers in eastern England that will take effect on July 11. This follows similar measures by Cambridge Water, which will impose a ban on its 350,000 customers starting July 17 for the first time in three decades. South East Water introduced a ban for 850,000 customers in Kent on July 8, while Southern Water's ban for one million people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight began on July 10. Thames Water has urged its 16 million customers, including those in Greater London, to voluntarily reduce water use but has not yet imposed an official ban.
Officials are closely monitoring the risk of drought conditions, particularly in East Anglia, Devon, and Cornwall, as water companies struggle to manage dwindling resources. The sustained high temperatures have led to early harvests and have also impacted health, energy supplies, wildfire risks, and transportation networks.
Transportation Disruptions
Rail services across the UK have faced ongoing disruptions due to the heat. East Midlands Railway issued an 'essential travel only' warning, suspending regional services between Nottingham and other cities during peak heat hours to mitigate the impact on railway infrastructure. High temperatures can cause railway tracks to buckle and overhead lines to sag, with steel rails potentially exceeding 50 degrees Celsius when air temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius. Other rail operators, including Great Western Railway and London Northwestern Railway, have also implemented amended services due to the weather.
Health and Environmental Impacts
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for all of England, except the North East, warning of potential impacts on health and social care services, including an increased risk of mortality, especially among the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The Met Office defines a heatwave as three consecutive days where daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed a specific threshold, which varies by region from 25C to 28C.
The prolonged heat has also contributed to an increased risk of wildfires, prompting the National Fire Chiefs Council to advise against the use of disposable barbecues in open countryside and moorlands. Emergency services are urging the public to check on vulnerable individuals, including those with dementia, who may be less aware of dehydration or overheating.
Scientists at Europe's Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that June 2026 was the hottest June on record for Western Europe and the second warmest globally. The RNLI has also reported nearly 30 deaths from water-related incidents during previous heatwaves in May and June, urging the public to share water safety advice.
Record Temperatures and Forecast
Parts of south-east England have officially been in a heatwave since July 2. Forecasters predict the current heatwave will peak with highs of 36C in the South-East before moderating to around 30C over the weekend and 28C early next week. While temperatures are expected to ease in the south-east, high pressure is forecast to remain, with the hottest conditions potentially shifting towards south-west England, where thunderstorms may also occur. Despite the slight cooling, temperatures are expected to remain very warm in many areas.