UK faces climate rethink after summer of extreme heat and drought

PRESSURE ON WATER SUPPLIES

The intense heat has been compounded by exceptionally dry conditions.

Some 71.3 per cent of England was in drought, the UK government said on Aug 10, after the nation experienced its driest July on record.

Authorities have imposed irrigation restrictions on farmers, while more than 27 million people are living under water-use restrictions.

Several water companies, including Wessex Water, Thames Water and South West Water, have introduced temporary hosepipe bans for households.

The restrictions prevent affected households from using hosepipes for non-essential activities such as washing cars, watering gardens and filling swimming pools.

For some residents, the measures are a necessary precaution amid the ongoing drought.

“I think that’s very sensible because we’ve got to conserve water. It’s vital,” one member of the public told CNA.

Another said that while the warmer weather was welcome, the lack of rain was becoming concerning.

“I quite enjoy the heat, but we do need the rain,” he said.