- Hundreds of thousands of people in Kent are facing a hosepipe ban due to an extreme heatwave driving record demand for water.
- South East Water is urging its 850,000 customers in the county to adhere to the restrictions, which will be enforced from 3 July.
- Chief executive David Hinton stated the ban is necessary to safeguard the shared water supply and protect vulnerable individuals.
- This measure follows the UK's hottest June night on record, with overnight temperatures in Cardiff remaining above 23.5C.
- A Met Office red weather alert for extreme heat is in place across parts of England and Wales until Thursday midnight, with an amber warning for south-east England extended until Saturday.
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