A FIFTH heatwave is set to build this week as temperatures soar to 35C again and drought conditions spread.
The heat is expected to rise with highs reaching 30C-plus across parts of England and Wales.
A family enjoy a Sunflower Trail in Dorset
Parched parkland around Clifton Observatory in Bristol
Peaking on Thursday in the South East, this will mark the fourth consecutive month the UK has recorded temperatures of at least 35C.
The UK Health Security Agency has already issued yellow heat health alerts for most of England until at least 9pm on Tuesday — but they are highly likely to be extended.
And with little rain in sight, the Environment Agency warned drought could be declared in more regions this week.
More than half of England and all of Wales is already bone-dry, leaving nearly 26million people living under hosepipe bans.
In Bristol, parkland around the Clifton Observatory remained parched yesterday following weeks without rain.
Fire crews tackled a moorland fire outside Halifax, West Yorks, on Saturday, with emergency crews still on site yesterday.
A firefighter dampens moorland after a wildfire in Halifax, West Yorkshire
Green cricket pitches surrounded by parched outfield in Cockfosters, North London
And in Cockfosters, North London, drone footage showed the parched grass around a cricket field — a scene repeated at grounds across the country.
But sunflowers were in full bloom at the Dorset Sunflower Trail in Dorchester on Sunday and the beach was busy on the county’s coast at Lyme Regis.
Experts suggest the drought could last into September, as no substantial rainfall is forecast for the South during August.
Even if rain returns to normal summer levels, it is unlikely to replenish water stores in the short term.
A busy beach in Lyme Regis, Dorset, as a new heatwave beckons
Tourists walk on the parched earth and sun-damaged grass near Tower Bridge
Residents in Devon and Cornwall criticised South West Water for imposing a hosepipe ban on Saturday.
One local fumed: “I take it South West Water will be cutting the bills because they fail to supply the water they’re required to?
“Stop wasting the money we pay for water and sewage, which is already the highest in the country, on fat cat shareholders and start spending it on infrastructure.”
