Around 16 million people could see their areas move into drought status this week as Britain looks set to experience its sixth heatwave of a record-breaking summer.
More restrictions on homes, including further hosepipe bans, are likely to follow, and one water firm is preparing a virtual ban on water use by businesses such as car washes and private swimming pools for the first time in two decades.
Temperatures as high as 35°C are forecast for the middle of this week and look certain to break a heatwave record set in 1995, where the UK saw 34 days of temperatures higher than 30°C. The record was equalled on Sunday when thermometers hit 31°C in parts of southern England.
The soaring heat and prolonged dry spells are putting increased pressure on Britain’s dwindling water supplies.
Seven areas in England and the whole of Wales are already in drought, while six are in “prolonged dry weather” status, meaning they could enter drought soon.
