- The Met Office has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings for northern England, Northern Ireland, and parts of Scotland following weeks of extreme heat.
- Forecasters warned that heavy downpours, hail, and thunderstorms could cause flash flooding, power cuts, and transport disruption.
- Experts warned that heavy rain falling on baked dry ground poses a risk of surface water flooding and will not immediately solve the ongoing drought.
- Over 70 per cent of the country remains in drought after five summer heatwaves, which saw temperatures peak at 38.1C in London.
- Environmental agencies have applied for a drought order for the River Severn to restrict water abstraction and protect surrounding wildlife habitats.
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