Brief relief ahead of fifth heatwave - as more areas could move into drought
The UK is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the year, with officials considering declaring drought status in additional regions due to prolonged dry weather. While some relief is expected early in the week, water supplies remain under significant pressure.
Why it matters
Extreme weather events and drought conditions pose significant risks to agriculture, water security, and public health.
Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images By Simon King Lead Weather Presenter Published 10 August 2026, 02:36 BST A welcome break from intense heat will arrive on Monday before temperatures soar across much of England and Wales, marking the fifth heatwave of the year.
The week ahead is forecast to remain mostly dry, with some parts of southern England racking up nearly two months with no significant rain.
The National Drought Group – made up of regulators, government officials, water companies and agricultural bodies – will meet on later on Monday to decide if more regions will be declared to be in drought.
Water supplies are under growing pressure from the continued dry weather and high demand, with 23 million people already facing hosepipes bans.
Image caption, Temperatures will rise through this week with the peak of an intense heatwave likely on Thursday
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