UK weather – live: Heat health warning extended as another hosepipe ban announced

Joe Middleton and Zoe Tidman
·17 min read

A heat health warning has been extended as the UK braces itself for soaring temperatures in a fresh heatwave.

The UK Health Security Agency alert will now run for a day longer until Sunday evening due to the sweltering weather forecast across the weekend.

The heat-health alert serves as an early warning that high temperatures could affect public health.

An extreme heat warning has also been issued by the Met Office, which says hot temperatures are likely to impact vulnerable people’s health and the wider population could also be hit by heat-related illness.

Temperatures are expected soar this week and hit the mid-30s towards the end in a new heatwave that comes just weeks after a record-breaking one in July.

It also follows months of sparse rainfall, which has seen water companies announce hosepipe bans.

Thames Water has now joined other firms in announcing restrictions on hosepipes as dry weather persists.

Key Points

  • UKHSA extends heat health warning

  • Thames Water to impose hosepipe ban in ‘coming weeks’

  • Met Office issues four day warning for extreme heat

  • UKHSA heat health warning now in place

  • ‘Exceptional' fire warning issued by Met Office as temperatures to soar in heatwave

09:41 , Emily Atkinson

Images capture London’s parched parkland, dried out by recent dry, hot weather.

Hyde Park, 10 August

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Primose Hill, 9 August

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Wanstead Park, 8 August

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What is a heatwave?

09:18 , Emily Atkinson

Britons are facing scorching weather this week as temperatures soar once again.

The mercury is expected to hit 28C on Monday and remain high throughout the week, passing 30C on Thursday and continuing into the weekend, according to the Met Office.

While there is no denying the UK is experiencing another (very) hot spell, can it be officially classified as a heatwave?

My colleagues Chiara Giordano and Maryam Zakir-Hussain take a look at the evidence:

What is a heatwave?

Ian Blackford flags cost of heating crisis in Highlands amid heatwave warning

08:59 , Emily Atkinson

SNP Commons leader Ian Blackford has warned of a “cost of heating crisis” in the Scottish Highlands while other parts of the UK battle swelteringly hot weather.

Posting on Twitter, he wrote: “It will of course only get worse. Whilst there might be a heatwave elsewhere the temperatures on Skye will not rise above 16C over the next ten days. Folk already have their heating on.”

Watch: Four-day amber warning for extreme temperatures issued as heatwave looms

08:46 , Emily Atkinson

Simple water-saving changes to your home routine

08:27 , Emily Atkinson

Water UK has published a number of handy tips for the home and garden to limit water usage and help take the strain off supplies.

Swathes of water companies have already signalled they will bring in a hosepipe ban to conserve water supply in the face of the hot, dry summer.

Here are seven ways you can help:

  • Keep your shower time to just 4 minutes

  • Replace your old shower head with a water efficient version

  • Only run the dishwasher when it’s full

  • Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth

  • Wait for a full load before running your washing machine

  • Use the eco setting on your dishwasher or washing machine

  • Try to reuse water whenever you can

Oxfordshire village becomes 'first area in UK to run dry’

08:10 , Emily Atkinson

A village in Oxfordshire has been named as the first area in the UK to have had its water supply run dry, leaving residents to rely on bottled and tanker water deliveries from Thames Water.

Northend is usually supplied by the Stokenchurch Reservoir, which ran dry as demand soared in the face of the hot, dry summer, reports The Telegraph.

Good morning

07:54 , Emily Atkinson

Welcome to our live coverage on UK weather as temperatures are set to soar.

Tuesday brought with it a fresh wave of grass fires as water shortages continued to ramp up across the UK.

The UK Health Security Agency also extended its heat health warning for an extra day to Sunday evening, while the four-day Met Office extreme heat alert is expected to come into force on Thursday.

For now, here’s the Met Office outlook for today’s weather:

Tuesday 9 August 2022 20:02 , Katy Clifton

We are pausing our live updates for the evening.

How the heat is affecting the natural environment

Tuesday 9 August 2022 19:45 , Zoe Tidman

The UK has seen dry conditions which, combined with last month’s record-breaking heatwave, have depleted rivers, reservoirs and aquifers and dried up soils, hitting agriculture, water supplies and wildlife and raising the risk of wildfires.

Analysis from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology warns river flows are set to remain exceptionally low in central, southern and eastern England until October.

Groundwater levels in southern England and South Wales will be below normal and exceptionally low in some areas for the next three months, it said.

Several inches of extra rain, in addition to what would normally be expected, is needed to overcome the dry conditions in parts of southern England.

PA

Temperatures to build throughout week, Met Office says

Tuesday 9 August 2022 19:07 , Zoe Tidman

The Met Office has recapped its forecast for the week, saying temperatures are expected to increase and peak at the weekend.

See here:

How to keep cool in the day

Tuesday 9 August 2022 18:39 , Zoe Tidman

And here are some more tips on how to keep cool during the day:

How to keep your house cool in a heatwave

How to keep cool at night in a heatwave

Tuesday 9 August 2022 18:00 , Zoe Tidman

Heatwaves can often lead to very warm nights that many may find very uncomfortable, especially without a fan or air-conditioning.

My colleagues Sarah Young and Kate Ng have taken a look about how to keep cool at night as temperatures swelter:

How to sleep during a heatwave, according to experts

Why is the UK underprepared for extreme heat?

Tuesday 9 August 2022 17:30 , Zoe Tidman

Compared with other countries, the UK is underprepared for these heatwaves, experts say.

Jane Dalton takes a look at why and what can be done:

Why the UK is so unprepared for extreme heat?

Advice on how to keep cool - from councils

Tuesday 9 August 2022 17:00 , Zoe Tidman

Councils are issuing advice on how to keep cool in the hot weather. See more here:

What defines a heatwave?

Tuesday 9 August 2022 16:30 , Zoe Tidman

With the UK experiencing another hot spell, here is a quick reminder about what sets a heatwave apart from hot weather:

What is a heatwave?

Met Office forecast for tonight

Tuesday 9 August 2022 16:04 , Zoe Tidman

Here is the latest from the Met Office on what we can expect for tonight:

Fire service ‘really busy’ fighting wildfires

Tuesday 9 August 2022 15:46 , Zoe Tidman

Suffolk Fire Service says it has been really busy fighting wildfires in rural areas, as have other fire services across the country.

It comes as the scorching temperatures have triggered new fire warnings this week:

What does ‘heatwave’ actually mean?

Tuesday 9 August 2022 15:15 , Zoe Tidman

Here is a handy reminder of what constitutes as a heatwave, as the UK prepares for another one:

Thames Water hosepipe ban statement

Tuesday 9 August 2022 15:00 , Zoe Tidman

Here is what a Thames Water spokesperson said about the hosepipe ban:

“Given the long-term forecast of dry weather and another forecast of very hot temperatures coming this week, we are planning to announce a temporary use ban in the coming weeks.”

For more, read Saphora Smith’s article:

Thames Water to impose hosepipe ban in ‘coming weeks’

Images of hot weather and parched parks

Tuesday 9 August 2022 14:41 , Zoe Tidman

Here are some more images of the hot weather and dry parks today:

The grass at Primrose Hill in London is also dry due to lack of water (PA)
The grass at Primrose Hill in London is also dry due to lack of water (PA)
Lawns have been parched around Leeds Castle in Kent (PA)
Lawns have been parched around Leeds Castle in Kent (PA)

Drivers urged to check tyres on ‘searing Saturday'

Tuesday 9 August 2022 14:22 , Zoe Tidman

Drivers are being urged to check their tyres before beginning journeys on “searing Saturday”.

The AA is concerned the start of a weekend when millions of people will be making long trips to the seaside, football matches, music festivals and holidays will coincide with extreme heat.

Temperatures are expected to peak at 35C, increasing the risk of blowouts for tyres that are inflated to the wrong pressure or already damaged.

PA

Sun-bleached grass at London park

Tuesday 9 August 2022 14:03 , Zoe Tidman

Londoners taking a stroll in Richmond Park today are facing a different sight to the usual green grass.

Like other fields across the country, its meadows are looking parched after months of sparse rainfall:

Fields and parks have been parched after months of sparse rainfall (Getty Images)
Fields and parks have been parched after months of sparse rainfall (Getty Images)
Richmond Park’s grass has been sun-bleached in the dry and hot conditions (Getty Images)
Richmond Park’s grass has been sun-bleached in the dry and hot conditions (Getty Images)

BREAKING: Thames Water to impose hosepipe ban in ‘coming weeks’

Tuesday 9 August 2022 13:56 , Zoe Tidman

Thames Water to impose hosepipe ban in ‘coming weeks’

UKHSA extends heat health warning

Tuesday 9 August 2022 13:44 , Zoe Tidman

The heat health warning has also been extended by another day.

“With high temperatures now forecast to last throughout the weekend, UKHSA has extended the current heat health alert,” the government agency says.

“The alert is now in place from midday Tuesday 9 August until 11pm Sunday 14 August.”

UKHSA heat health warning now in place

Tuesday 9 August 2022 13:23 , Zoe Tidman

A heat-health alert urging the elderly and vulnerable to prepare for soaring temperatures has come into effect for all regions of England as large parts of the UK brace for another heatwave.

Saphora Smith, our climate correspondent, reports:

Heat health alert in place in England as country braces for another heatwave

Advice for pet owners

Tuesday 9 August 2022 12:56 , Zoe Tidman

The British Veterinary Association has also told pet owners to take extra care to protect their animals in the extreme heat.

“Animals need extra care during the summer to keep them safe from heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, heart conditions, breathing difficulties and sunburn, many of which can sadly be fatal,” Dr Justine Shotton, its president, said.

“Make sure animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times.”

She said dogs especially can “overheat easily”, so owners should avoid walking them in the hottest part of the day or leaving them inside hot cars or conservatories.

“Keep an eye out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, and lack of coordination and contact a vet immediately in case you have any concerns,” Dr Shotton added.

National Highways advice in extreme heat

Tuesday 9 August 2022 12:38 , Zoe Tidman

National Highways has issued advice to drivers in light of the extreme heat warning.

“It is always very important to plan ahead for your journey and this advice remains the same during periods of hot weather,” Jeremy Phillips, its head of road safety, said.

“When hot weather is forecast, please remember to take plenty of drinking water with you – enough for you and your passengers.”

He added: “We also advise everyone should check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out.”

‘Lots of sunshine’ in afternoon

Tuesday 9 August 2022 12:19 , Zoe Tidman

This afternoon looks set to be a hot one for much of the country, according to the Met Office’s latest forecast:

What is the situation in Europe?

Tuesday 9 August 2022 12:00 , Zoe Tidman

It is not just the UK experiencing sweltering temperatures.

Spain experienced its hottest month on record in July, according to the World Meteorological Organisation:

Harry Cockburn, our environment correspondent, has also reported on heatwaves and droughts sweeping through Europe:

Heatwave: Drought and searing temperatures expected in Europe and UK

Temperatures to rise ‘day-on-day’ this week, Met Office says

Tuesday 9 August 2022 11:39 , Zoe Tidman

Dan Rudman from the Met Office has spoken about the new heat warning.

The deputy chief meteorologist says:

“Thanks to persistent high pressure over the UK, temperatures will be rising day-on-day through this week and an extreme heat warning has been issued.

“Temperatures are expected to peak at 35C on Friday and Saturday, or even an isolated 36C on Saturday. Elsewhere will see temperatures widely into the high 20s and low 30s C.

“Coupled with the high daytime temperatures there will be some warm nights, with temperatures expected not to drop below the low 20s C for some areas in the south.”

What does the extreme heat warning mean?

Tuesday 9 August 2022 11:14 , Zoe Tidman

Here are some of the Met Office’s warnings over the extreme heat forecast:

  • Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat

  • The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn, heat exhaustion, and other heat related illnesses

  • More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes, rivers and other beauty spots leading to an increased risk of water safety and fire-related incidents

  • Delays to travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays

When and where is the extreme heat warning for?

Tuesday 9 August 2022 10:55 , Zoe Tidman

Here is more detail from the Met Office on its new amber warning for extreme heat:

‘Please be sensible. Please help us,’ fire service says

Tuesday 9 August 2022 10:36 , Zoe Tidman

Another fire service has urged the public to “be sensible” to help it cope during the next heatwave:

Hosepipe bans in the hot and dry weather

Tuesday 9 August 2022 10:20 , Zoe Tidman

As well as posing a fire risk, the hot and dry conditions are also impacting water supply.

Several water companies have announced hosepipe bans to cope with increased demand and stretched resources.

Saphora Smith, our climate correspondent, has more on them:

What is a hosepipe ban and why are they imposed?

BREAKING: Met Office issues four day warning for extreme heat

Tuesday 9 August 2022 10:16 , Zoe Tidman

Met Office issues four-day warning for extreme heat

Golf course dries out in Kent

Tuesday 9 August 2022 10:03 , Zoe Tidman

Here is an example of how grassy areas have been parched in the prolonged dry weather.

See how this has affected a golf course in Kent:

London Fire Brigade issues advice for ‘another hot, dry day’

Tuesday 9 August 2022 09:45 , Zoe Tidman

Fire services are also putting out similar advice, such as London Fire Brigade:

Councils issue advice to reduce fire risk

Tuesday 9 August 2022 09:27 , Zoe Tidman

Councils are putting out warnings to try and reduce the fire risk in the hot weather:

BREAKING: Most severe fire warning issued by Met Office as temperatures to soar in heatwave

Tuesday 9 August 2022 09:00 , Zoe Tidman

Most severe fire warning issued by Met Office as temperatures to soar in heatwave

Parched landscapes across UK

Tuesday 9 August 2022 08:55 , Zoe Tidman

The latest heatwave coming after months of low rain, which have left the countryside and urban parks and gardens tinder-dry.

Here are some images of parched landscapes:

A golf club in Burnley has suffered dry grass in the dry conditions (Getty Images)
A golf club in Burnley has suffered dry grass in the dry conditions (Getty Images)
Greenwich Park in London is among those that has been parched in the dry weather (PA)
Greenwich Park in London is among those that has been parched in the dry weather (PA)
Parliament Square’s grass has been looking dry in London (REUTERS)
Parliament Square’s grass has been looking dry in London (REUTERS)

UK given warning over fire risk

Tuesday 9 August 2022 08:36 , Zoe Tidman

On that note, households are being urged not to light fires and retailers to ban sales of disposable barbecues as England faces another heatwave in already tinder-dry conditions.

Full story here:

Fire warning as new heatwave builds in tinder-dry conditions

‘Exceptional’ fire risk towards end of week

Tuesday 9 August 2022 08:28 , Zoe Tidman

The Met Office has a fire severity index that looks at how severe a fire could become if one were to start.

This is very high for most of England and Wales throughout the week and will reach “exceptional” - the top level - for some by the weekend.

You can see for yourself here:

UK Fire Severity Index - Met Office

What is the heat health alert?

Tuesday 9 August 2022 08:26 , Zoe Tidman

The heat health alert system aims to help the health service manage through periods of high temperatures by acting as an early warning system, where the weather may affect the public’s health.

The UKHSA has issued advice on how people can stay cool and safe in the heat, as well as how to look after particularly vulnerable groups.

This can be found on its website:

Heat-health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency

And its social media:

What is the forecast for this week?

Tuesday 9 August 2022 08:08 , Zoe Tidman

The UK is set to face another heatwave this week which is expected to last longer than the one in July.

Temperatures are due to soar, with forecasters saying they could enter the mid-30Cs by Friday.

Full story on this week’s sweltering forecast here:

UK faces longer heatwave than July’s 40C record as millions under hosepipe ban

‘Sunshine from the word go'

Tuesday 9 August 2022 07:50 , Zoe Tidman

Here is what the Met Office forecasts for this morning:

Heat health alert set to kick in today

Tuesday 9 August 2022 07:30 , Zoe Tidman

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a heat health alert for all regions of England as the country braces itself for another heatwave, Joe Middleton reports.

This is coming into force from midday today.

UK weather: Heat health alert issued ahead of heatwave

Tuesday 9 August 2022 07:27 , Zoe Tidman

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage on UK weather as temperatures are set to soar.