Britain is bracing for a possible fourth heatwave this summer, with temperatures forecast to reach 35C in the hottest areas as high pressure builds south of the UK next week. Wednesday is expected to be the hottest day, after locations such as Usk and Exeter saw temperatures briefly dip below heatwave thresholds for the first time in 21 days, following a record run.
Yellow heat health alerts remain in force across much of England through the weekend, covering London, the Midlands, and southern regions. Hosepipe bans now affect more than 20 million people, with eight water companies in southern England and Wales imposing restrictions after England received just 3% of its average July rainfall. Seven rivers and multiple reservoirs are classed as exceptionally low, while thousands of homes in Kent and Sussex have faced supply failures.
The latest intensification follows a third consecutive heatwave earlier this month.