Britain's canal network is experiencing widespread closures with over 30 sections forced to shut due to critically low water levels. This situation is a direct consequence of the ongoing heatwave, which has led to the driest July since records began in 1836.
Officials from the Canal and River Trust have warned that more closures could be imminent as temperatures are forecast to remain high throughout August. The Met Office has indicated that this summer could surpass the heat of 1976, which remains the UK's hottest on record based on average daily maximum temperature. Amber 'extreme heat' warnings have been issued for southern and central England, with a heat health alert in place for the entirety of England until Friday night. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has cautioned that these conditions could lead to an increase in deaths.
The Canal and River Trust is implementing strict restrictions to manage water resources. Boaters are being urged to cancel non-essential journeys and to share locks, which are used to adjust boat water levels between different canal heights. To further conserve water, the trust has temporarily suspended its rules that limit boaters from mooring in the same location for more than two weeks.
Several notable canal sections have been severely affected. The Grantham Canal in Nottinghamshire has completely dried up, and the Montgomery Canal at Llanymynech has also suffered significant drying. In Leicestershire, parts of the Grand Union Canal have experienced such low water levels that the canal bed is partially exposed, rendering it impassable.
This severe drought follows weeks of hosepipe bans across Britain, implemented due to near-constant heatwaves. Residents have been prohibited from watering gardens, filling paddling pools, and washing cars. In Hampshire, Southern Water has warned over 100,000 people might face shortages unless non-essential water uses, such as filling public swimming pools, are banned.
Government Response
The severity of the heatwave has prompted the Prime Minister to chair an emergency Cobra committee meeting. Ministers from relevant departments, along with officials from the Environment Agency, are expected to attend discussions on the extreme weather. This is the second such Cobra meeting this year focused on heatwaves.
Meanwhile, the extreme heat is causing widespread disruption. Rail operators have advised against non-essential travel, with several companies cancelling or reducing services. Firefighter union leaders have declared a 'national emergency' due to ongoing wildfires, with Britain on track for its hottest summer on record.
Millions of people across England are currently in drought-stricken areas, and 27 million customers are under hosepipe bans. Parts of southern England have not seen rainfall in 60 days, with no immediate forecast for relief. The UKHSA has warned of an increased risk of death as the heat health alert remains in effect.