This year's heatwave has created a countrywide water shortage that looks set to only deepen over the next few days, and threatens to break grim records set decades ago14:29, 22 Jul 2026Updated 14:34, 22 Jul 2026Hosepipe bans extended to millions of people could be rolled out even more extensively this summer, the country's drought monitoring group has said, as it warns several parts of the country are on the precipice of water shortages.‌The National Drought Group has warned that parts of southern, central and eastern England are close to experiencing the same conditions as more than a dozen other areas across the country. Seven water companies, including some of the country's biggest providers like Thames Water, Southern Water and Southeast Water, have all been forced to impose restrictions due to what is now weeks on end for some areas without so much as a drop of rain.‌The NDG has revealed which areas are currently in the critical stage before official drought, "prolonged dry weather", and a tiny step away from the strictest water controls.‌The NDG, which met on Monday following 12 consecutive days of temperatures above 30C, boasts members from across the UK's environmental network, including the Government and Met Office. They decided that 13 areas are currently in the "prolonged dry weather" stage.They include:‌East AngliaWest MidlandsDevonCornwallIsles of ScillyLincolnshireNorthamptonshireHertfordshireLondonWessexThamesSolentSouth DownsThe above areas are under the administration of several different water companies, including Affinity Water, SES Water and Wessex Water, and would see potentially millions more people placed under hosepipe bans. At present, temporary use bans have been extended for 23 million customers in the UK in a bid to protect the environment and reduce strain on vital networks.‌Areas currently under a hosepipe ban include:BedfordshireBerkshireBuckinghamshireEssexHertfordshireSurreyLondonNorfolkSuffolkCambridgeshireLincolnshireNorthamptonshireRutlandBedfordshireParts of EssexKentHampshireIsle of WightCambridgeThe latest available data from the Environment Agency in a recent snapshot taken between July 2 and 15 shows an average of zero rainfall across its weather stations in central and southeastern England for 14 days in a row. The startling figures demonstrate the longest unbroken period of no rainfall in southeast England since April 1997, when there was no rainfall for 15 days.‌In central England, the record was set back in 1996, more than 30 years ago, with another 14-day run without a single drop of recorded rainfall.Helen Wakeham, Chair of the National Drought Group and Director of Water at the Environment Agency, said the astonishing lack of rainfall is having a profound effect across the UK's industries. She said: "Dry weather depletes our water, while the hot conditions mean we use more of it."‌"This is a difficult combination, and we are seeing the effects on our farmers, our wildlife, and the amount available for public and business use."All sectors are taking action, and we are grateful to the public for following the restrictions, where in place, to make sure there is enough water for everyone this summer. We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture."That sustained lack of rainfall is set to only continue in the near future, with high pressure set to remain dominant for at least the next five days.Article continues belowOnly coastal areas and southeast England, and possibly northern Scotland could see some rain over the period, with midweek showers on the cards before weather fronts attempt to move in from the northwest. A lot of that rain, however, is likely to fall over Northern Ireland and Scotland.