Heat Health Alerts Issued Across England Amidst Worsening Drought
Temperatures set to climb to 36C by Thursday as millions face water restrictions.
Sarah Connor
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts across much of England.
Cardiff braces for highs of 29C, Manchester 28C, and London 25C on Tuesday; temperatures could reach 30C.
Temperatures will climb through the week, potentially hitting 37C or 38C in some places by Thursday, with peaks of 36C expected in East Anglia and the South East.
Nearly three-quarters of England now endures drought conditions, a crisis intensified by a dry start to August following the country’s driest July on record.
England and Wales recorded their driest July in records dating back to 1836, leaving over 27 million people living with water restrictions.
Nowhere in England maintains a "normal" status; only 14 percent of rivers flow at normal levels for this time of year.
Rainfall totals for July registered just 1 percent of the expectation on average for the south-east of England. England reservoir levels fell 16 percent during July, marking the biggest reduction in the month for at least 30 years.
Firefighters battle a series of blazes across the UK, including one in the New Forest National Park, Hampshire.
The UK's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that significant impacts are likely across social and health care, including a rise in deaths, due to the high temperatures.
Conditions will worsen without "significant and sustained rainfall"; extreme heat warnings may be issued.