Britain is grappling with an unprecedented heatwave, as 2026 has become the first year on record to experience temperatures of 35C or higher on six separate days, amid the UK’s third heatwave in as many months.
The Met Office confirmed the milestone after temperatures soared to 35.2C at Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire, on Friday, shattering previous records.
The previous benchmark for extreme heat was held jointly by 1976 and 2020, both of which saw five days with temperatures exceeding 35C. This year has also marked another first, recording 35C or higher in three distinct calendar months, and has already broken the record for the most days at 34C or above, with nine such occurrences this summer.
The relentless heat is placing immense pressure on the nation’s water resources, leading to a fresh wave of hosepipe bans affecting millions across South East England. Affinity Water is the latest utility to announce restrictions, citing ongoing hot, dry weather and higher-than-usual demand impacting supplies.
The company confirmed on Friday afternoon that a hosepipe ban would be implemented from 17 July, impacting approximately 1.1 million households across Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and parts of London. This measure prohibits the use of hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, patios, paths, and driveways, cleaning windows, or filling swimming and paddling pools.
Stephen Plumb, asset strategy and capital delivery director at Affinity Water, explained the gravity of the decision: "We don’t take a decision like this lightly, but with demand for water use at unprecedented levels, we need to act now to protect supplies, for our customers, especially those who are most vulnerable, for the communities we serve, and for the environment.
“We know a hosepipe ban is disruptive, and we apologise for the inconvenience this will cause. We would like to thank customers for their support so far this summer and for working with us to help protect our water supply. Every bit of water saved makes a difference."
Other water companies have also introduced bans, including Southern Water for about one million customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which came into force on Friday.
Anglian Water announced a ban for its more than five million customers in the east of England, effective from 1am on Saturday, urging immediate adherence to the spirit of the restrictions. Cambridge Water, serving 350,000 customers, implemented a temporary hosepipe ban immediately on Thursday afternoon, with enforcement beginning on 17 July – the first such restriction in three decades for the company.
South East Water was the first to act, introducing a ban on 3 July for areas of Kent, including Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tenterden, and Tunbridge Wells.
Meanwhile, Thames Water, Severn Trent, Essex and Suffolk Water, Wessex Water, and Portsmouth Water have all urged customers to use water wisely, though they have not yet imposed formal bans.
The strain on water supplies follows a record warm spring for England and Wales, intensifying concerns after successive heatwaves. Water minister Emma Hardy met with utility bosses last week to discuss preparedness, as officials warned of drought risks in some parts of the country. Authorities are closely monitoring East Anglia, Devon and Cornwall, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight.
This escalating crisis highlights growing pressure on the UK’s water system, exacerbated by human-driven climate change disrupting rainfall patterns and fostering more extreme weather events. Compounding these issues are population increases and years of underinvestment in infrastructure, including a lack of new reservoirs for 30 years and widespread leaking pipes.
Beyond water shortages, the extreme temperatures are impacting public services. The Metropolitan Police has urged the public to avoid contacting them for non-emergencies amid a surge in 999 calls, with high temperatures expected to persist into the weekend as England competes in the Fifa World Cup.
Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Matt Jukes told LBC Radio: "We’re going to see more calls. We’re going to see more drinking. I hope we’re going to see more great goals for England, and we’re going to see success."
He added: "Call us on the things we need to. Please hold back on the calls we don’t need to take. Officers out there are melting in the heat but they will be there to come to you if you need us." The London police force reiterated on X that 999 should only be used for immediate danger to life, violence, or crimes in progress.
The RAC has also issued a warning to drivers, reporting hundreds more incidents daily compared to typical July levels. RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis advised that vehicles, particularly older ones or those with underlying issues, will face extra strain. He urged drivers to perform simple checks before journeys, including coolant and oil levels, tyre condition and pressure, and not to ignore dashboard warning lights.
Read More2026 first year to hit temperatures of 35C or more on six days – Met Office
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