United Kingdom: Half of England and All of Wales Plunged Into Drought As UK on Verge of Fifth Heatwave

Southern Water has applied to the government for permission to issue a "non-essential use ban" in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. If granted and put into action, the policy would prevent businesses from activities like washing cars with hosepipes, and filling private swimming pools. It comes as half of England and all of Wales have been plunged into drought, and more regions could be declared when officials meet at the National Drought Group on Monday.

Temperatures are set to soar to as high as 36C this week as parts of the country face their fifth heatwave this summer. A Southern Water spokesperson confirmed it had applied for a drought order and a non-essential use ban as a precaution, but that it does not currently plan to enact the measures. "This isn't a choice between protecting the river and supplying customers, a Southern Water spokesperson said. "We have to do both.