UK endures record‑breaking heatwave as temperatures hit 35 °C and water bans imposed

Britain is experiencing its third heatwave of 2026, with temperatures regularly above 30 °C and a record six days of 35 °C – the first year that the 35 °C threshold was reached in May, June and July. The Met Office warned that high‑pressure patterns will keep conditions hot and dry for the rest of the summer.

Health officials have extended yellow heat‑health alerts until 17 July, reporting more than 2 700 excess deaths in England and Wales linked to the May‑June heatwaves. Researchers say climate change added several degrees to the extreme temperatures, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and dehydration, especially for older adults and those with pre‑existing conditions.

Wildfire risk is rated “very high” across most of England, with parts of the Midlands and southern England classified as “exceptional”. Recent incidents include moorland fires in Derbyshire, a blaze at Stratford Station and a major fire near Dovestone Reservoir. Emergency services have warned of stretched resources and have issued public safety advice.

Water utilities are responding to soaring demand – South West Water reported an extra 5.4 million litres a day in Devon and imposed a hose‑pipe ban on parts of Mid and East Devon. The ban restricts garden watering, car washing and pool filling until demand eases.

The heat is also affecting daily life: a YouGov poll found 45 % of Britons say the heat stops them enjoying summer, with many reporting sleepless nights, difficulty keeping homes cool and reliance on cheap cooling products such as cucumber eye gel and fans. Retailers have promoted low‑cost heat‑wave accessories ranging from window film to smart fans.

Forecasters say the pattern of above‑average temperatures is likely to continue through July and August, keeping the public and infrastructure under pressure for the remainder of the season.