Scorched earth Britain: Aerial photos show how nation is baking as millions face hosepipe bans after eight days of record-breaking 34C heat
Aerial photographs have revealed the devastating impact of three heatwaves and ongoing dry weather on Britain’s green spaces; Millions of people now face a hose ban.
Yellowing grass can be seen from above at Stonehenge, King’s College Cambridge and golf clubs across the UK as tornado bans come into effect.
London’s venues including Wimbledon Common, Greenwich Park and Tooting Common have also turned brown due to a lack of rain and record-breaking temperatures.
Five water companies have imposed usage restrictions due to huge pressure on supply and increased risk of drought; Authorities are particularly worried about East Anglia, Devon, Cornwall, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight after a dry spring and summer.
Scorching conditions in the July heatwave, which follows the hottest days of May and June, are leading to ‘extreme’ bushfire risk and ongoing rail disruptions.
There has been no rain in London since June 27 and the Met Office forecast does not include any further showers until Sunday; This means at least 22 consecutive dry days.
As dry conditions continue, Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, South East Water and Southern Water have announced a ban on hose pipes.
People in affected areas can no longer use hoses to water their gardens, wash their cars, outdoor areas or windows, or fill swimming or children’s pools.
Aerial view of very dry grass in Greenwich Park, south-east London, on 10 July
Comparison of King’s College Cambridge both in July 2023 (left) and 11 July (right)
A white, dry circle appears around stones at a very arid Stonehenge (image on July 8)
Wimbledon Common in south-west London appeared dry when photographed on July 7
The 15th green is surrounded by sun-baked fairways and rolling fields at Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club at East Cliff in Dorset’s West Bay on July 7.
The fairways of Cambridgeshire Golf Club in Cambridge look parched on July 8
Thames Water and Yorkshire Water are urging people to stop using hoses but have not implemented any bans. Severn Trent, Essex and Suffolk Water, Wessex Water and Portsmouth Water are among others urging customers to use water wisely.
It comes as bushfires continue to rage in 19 locations across England and Wales and further heat-health warnings have been issued for large parts of the country.
A yellow alert has been issued for seven parts of England this week by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) from now until Friday, as the Met Office predicts temperatures will peak at 33C in south-central areas.
According to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), emergency services are currently dealing with 19 active bushfire incidents; fire and rescue teams are dealing with a combination of large prairie and agricultural fires.
The NFCC said the latest assessments showed a ‘serious bushfire risk’ remained across much of England and Wales, with some places remaining at ‘extreme risk’.
Major incidents have been declared for bushfires in North Wales and Glossop, Derbyshire, in the Peak District.
Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said: ‘The heatwave continues across much of the UK this week; We could see temperatures peak on Wednesday, possibly reaching as high as 33C in parts of south-central England.
‘Temperatures are in the low 30s for much of this week in south-central England, with mid to high 20s possible elsewhere.
‘It will be a sunny, warm week for the majority of the UK due to high pressure being responsible for our weather regime, leading to clearer skies for many and a lack of rainfall for many others.’
Barely any sign of green grass on Tooting Common in south London on July 7
Aerial view shows yellowed Beeston Fields Golf Course in Nottingham on July 8
Comparison of Cambridge University’s sports grounds in 2023 (left) to 11 July (right)
However, temperatures are expected to decrease starting from the second half of the week.
He added: ‘We may see a slight drop in temperatures as we get closer to the weekend.
‘So instead of the low 30s we’ve been seeing for much of the week, we’re looking at highs on Saturday that are probably in the mid to high 20s for most.
‘This is largely due to the fact that although high pressure is still prevalent, we are seeing more of an influence from the north, which is helping to bring the temperature down slightly; still well above average and still warm and pleasant for many.
‘But it’s not the kind of peak numbers that we’re going to see a lot of this week and what we saw last week.’
Yellow heat health warnings have been issued by the UKHSA for the North West, South West, South East, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England and London; The North East, Yorkshire and Humber regions were spared.
Firefighters in north Wales have warned people not to enter the area near the village of Capelulo, where dozens of homes have been evacuated, as they battle a wildfire in Mount Conwy.
Last night, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) withdrew the major incident and allowed residents of 36 evacuated properties in Capelulo to return to their homes.
Jody McEachern, the service’s head of prevention, said: ‘Firefighters worked tirelessly yesterday and overnight to respond to a number of significant bushfire incidents in North Wales.
Visitors to London’s Hyde Park pass a parched landscape of yellowed grass on July 9
Drone photo of Blackheath in south-east London shows the impact of the weather on July 10
‘Significant work continues at Mount Conwy and we will continue to monitor conditions closely throughout the day.
‘I would like to thank local communities for their patience and cooperation, and our firefighters, Control Room staff and partner agencies for their ongoing support.’
The NFCC also said Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Fire Brigade were taking measures to manage exceptionally high demand.
NFCC chief executive Phil Garrigan said: ‘Fire and rescue services are currently responding to a number of significant bushfires across the UK and challenging conditions are helping fires spread quickly and over large areas.
‘When vegetation is this dry, it only takes a spark to start a fire. What starts as a small incident can quickly escalate, putting communities, firefighters and the environment at risk.
‘We strongly urge everyone to be extra careful when enjoying the outdoors.
‘Avoid using disposable barbecues in parks, moors, countryside and other open areas, never throw cigarettes on the ground and make sure rubbish is taken home.
‘Bushfires can cause major damage to landscapes, wildlife, agriculture and local communities, and can also put serious pressure on emergency services.
‘A few simple actions can make a big difference in helping prevent fires before they start.’
