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.

The UK’s new record-high temperature of 40.3°C at Coningsby, Lincolnshire, has been confirmed by the Met Office, following a rigorous process of analysis and quality control.

Yesterday the Environment Agency convened a meeting of the National Drought Group, made up of senior decision makers from Environment Agency, government, water companies, Water UK, the NFU and environmental protection groups including the Angling Trust and Rivers Trust.

A new event summary from the Met Office shows that the UK’s recent extreme heat –the first time 40°C has been recorded in the Uk - was far more intense and widespread than previous comparable heatwaves, including the notable heatwave in 1976.

The National Drought Group is meeting this morning as the Environment Agency is warning that parts of England could enter “drought” status due to the prolonged dry weather and record temperatures.