The UK is expected to brace its third heatwave in three months, with temperatures peaking at 35.2C at Coton in the Elms in Derbyshire today - this is a breaking story18:40, 10 Jul 2026Updated 19:06, 10 Jul 2026The Met Office has announced 2026 is the first year to have recorded temperatures of 35C or above on six separate days.‌This comes as the UK is expected to brace its third heatwave in three months, with temperatures peaking at 35.2C at Coton in the Elms in Derbyshire today. The former record was held by 1976 and 2020 during which five days were recorded with temperatures over 35C.‌This year is also the first to see mercury reach 35C or higher in three calendar months, breaking the record for most temperatures of 34C or higher nine times so far this summer. Affinity Water is the latest water supplier to announce a hosepipe ban, which will affect millions across South East England.‌The restrictions come as the hot temperatures and dry weather put water resources under pressure, with higher-than-usual demand also making an impact. Today, the company announced that the ban will come into effect on July 17, affecting around 1.1 million households across Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey and parts of London.Under the ban, people must not use a hosepipe for activities including watering gardens, washing cars, patios, paths and driveways, cleaning windows or filling swimming and paddling pools. Stephen Plumb, of Affinity Water, said: "We don’t take a decision like this lightly, but with demand for water use at unprecedented levels, we need to act now to protect supplies, for our customers, especially those who are most vulnerable, for the communities we serve, and for the environment."We know a hosepipe ban is disruptive, and we apologise for the inconvenience this will cause. We would like to thank customers for their support so far this summer and for working with us to help protect our water supply. Every bit of water saved makes a difference."‌The east of England, Cambridge, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and areas of Kent are also affected by similar restrictions imposed by water companies covering those regions. Other firms have warned customers to limit their water use as much as possible but have not yet introduced a ban.Yet another temperature record was reached yesterday as the UK recorded its eighth day at or above 34C in a calendar year, breaking the previous high of seven days set in the summer of 1976 and in 2020. Strain on water supplies have intensified after the successive heatwaves followed a record warm spring for England and Wales.Water minister Emma Hardy met with utility bosses last week to discuss their preparedness for a hot summer after officials warned of a risk of drought for some parts of the country in the coming weeks. Authorities are keeping a close watch on East Anglia, Devon and Cornwall, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.‌It comes as the UK faces growing pressure on its water system as human-driven climate change disrupts rainfall patterns and drives more extreme weather events. This has been compounded by population increases as well as years of underinvestment in infrastructure putting further strain on the system, including no new reservoirs being built in 30 years and leaking pipes.Hosepipe restrictions came into force today for about one million Southern Water customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Also this morning, Anglian Water also announced a hosepipe ban for its more than five million customers in the east of England.The ban will come into force from 1am on Saturday but the utility has asked that people "live within the spirit of these restrictions immediately". In a notice on Thursday afternoon, Cambridge Water announced a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers, which came into effect immediately but enforcement actions will not start until 1am on July 17.‌This marks the first time in three decades it has introduced the restriction, with the company saying teams are working around the clock to maintain supplies. South East Water became the first to introduce a ban on July 3 for areas of Kent, including those in Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tenterden and Tunbridge Wells.Elsewhere, Thames Water has asked customers to limit their hosepipe use, although it has not introduced a formal ban. Severn Trent, Essex and Suffolk Water, Wessex Water and Portsmouth Water are also urging customers to use water wisely amid the heatwave.Separately, the Metropolitan Police urged people to avoid getting in touch for non-emergencies amid a surge in 999 calls, with temperature expected to remain high into the weekend as England is set to play in the FIFA World Cup.Article continues belowDeputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Matt Jukes told LBC Radio today: "We’re going to see more calls. We’re going to see more drinking. I hope we’re going to see more great goals for England, and we’re going to see success."He added: "Call us on the things we need to. Please hold back on the calls we don’t need to take. Officers out there are melting in the heat but they will be there to come to you if you need us."