Brief cool spell arrives before UK endures fifth heatwave and expanding drought

A modest cooling is forecast for Monday, providing temporary relief before a fifth heatwave sweeps much of England and Wales. The National Drought Group, comprising regulators, government officials, water firms and agricultural bodies, will meet later that day to decide on expanding drought declarations. Currently, half of England and the whole of Wales are officially in drought, and 23 million residents face hosepipe restrictions as reservoirs drop to exceptionally low levels.

River flows have continued to decline after less than 10 mm of rain for seven straight weeks, with some southern areas approaching two months without measurable precipitation. While north-west Scotland recently recorded over half a month’s rain in two days, most of the country will see temperatures climbing to 36 °C in the southeast by Thursday, potentially setting a new monthly record. The Environment Agency warns that additional English regions could be added to the drought list, and the National Farmers Union cautions that prolonged dryness may threaten food supplies.