Provisional statistics released by the Met Office show that England has had its joint hottest summer in a series which runs from 1884.

The Environment Agency has confirmed that all of the South West of England is now in drought following some of the driest conditions in nearly 90 years.

As Wales’ natural environment continues to endure the impacts of the extended period of dry weather, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that South East Wales and parts of Mid Wales have moved into drought status.

The record-breaking heatwave experienced across Europe in 2022 will be considered an “average” summer by 2035, even if countries meet their current climate commitments so far agreed in negotiations under the 2015 Paris Agreement, according to the latest data from the Met Office Hadley Centre, commissioned by the Climate Crisis Advisory Group (CCAG).

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed that more support will be provided for farmers to help them deal with the impacts of some of the driest weather for decades.

South West Water is asking customers to reduce non-essential water usage across Cornwall and parts of North Devon through a Temporary Use Ban, otherwise known as a hosepipe ban, after the biggest drought since 1935 was officially declared in 8 areas across England last Friday.

Yorkshire Water has increased resources in its networks, leakage and repair teams, in order to save water from leaky pipes.

Thames Water has issued a statement informing its 15 million customers to prepare for water restrictions.

The Met Office has issued an Amber Extreme heat warning with temperatures expected to build through the week.

South East Water has announced a Temporary Use Ban – commonly known as a hosepipe ban - for its customers in Kent and Sussex.