The Environment Agency Suggested 'Several Areas' Could Move Towards or Into Drought Next Week As a Fifth Heatwave Is Expected'

Temperatures will climb over the weekend, with a high of 36C expected in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday, and little rain on its way. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued heat health alerts across all of England except the North East and North West until Tuesday night. The Environment Agency said England has received less than 10mm of rainfall for the seventh consecutive week.

Around half of England and the whole of Wales are already in drought after experiencing their driest July on record. Helen Wakeham, the director of water at the Environment Agency and chair of the national drought group, said: "A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife, and the economy. She added: "The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.