- Heavy rain and cooler weather are set to hit drought-stricken areas across the UK this week, bringing the first meaningful rainfall in weeks alongside potential surface flooding.
- Temperatures are expected to drop significantly below average, with mercury levels falling into single figures in some sheltered areas by Friday morning.
- Wessex Water has implemented its first hosepipe ban in 50 years for 1.4 million customers across the South West following prolonged extreme dry weather and record demand.
- Climate experts warn that while the rain may reduce immediate wildfire risks, weeks of sustained rainfall will be required for vegetation, rivers, and reservoirs to fully recover.
- The weather shift comes as the National Fire Chiefs Council reports a record 1,132 wildfires in England and Wales so far this year.
IN FULL
