Over 20 million Thames Water customers now face a hosepipe ban across southern and eastern England and parts of Wales due to successive heatwaves and strained water supplies. The measures raise questions about water resource management and the UK's preparedness for climate change-induced drier summers.
Hosepipe bans across large parts of England are causing public frustration and a "culture war" over exemptions for vulnerable groups. Critics blame water companies for significant leaks and AI data centers for high water consumption, while experts highlight climate change and aging infrastructure as root causes.
A prolonged dry spell has led to hosepipe bans in southern UK, with England and Wales experiencing minimal rain since mid-June. Northern Ireland and western Scotland were wetter in June but drier in July. A rare westward-moving high-pressure system is set to bring welcome rain across the UK this weekend, though some areas may receive less.
Parts of southern, central, and eastern England are nearing drought status, with over 20 million people facing hosepipe bans by week's end. The National Drought Group announced "prolonged dry weather" conditions, impacting agriculture and public water supplies due to low rainfall and high temperatures.
The UK is experiencing a prolonged heatwave with temperatures reaching 35C, marking a record number of days above 34C. Hosepipe bans affect five million people in southern and eastern England due to low rainfall, while heat health warnings remain in place.
