England's heatwave turns Kent into desert-like frontier

Record‑breaking heatwaves have left large parts of England, especially Kent, looking like a western frontier. Fields near Ashford are dust‑filled as cattle are driven across barren land, and water demand has risen 30% on the hottest days. More than 20 million households are under hosepipe bans, and farmers report reduced crop yields and lower milk production.

Citizens Advice chief executive Clare Moriarty warned that many people are trapped in homes they cannot cool, calling for the Warm Homes Plan to improve insulation and ventilation. Researchers estimate about 2,700 excess deaths in England and Wales during the May‑June heatwaves. Environment Agency water director Helen Wakeham said water is being used faster than nature can replenish it, urging the public to conserve every drop.