UK heatwave live: Half of England officially declared in drought with temperatures set to hit 34C
Drought has been declared across half of England as temperatures soared to 34°C following record low rainfall and scorching heat.
The Environment Agency has declared drought in East Anglia, Hertfordshire, London, the Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands and Wessex (covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and south Gloucestershire).
Amber and yellow temperature warnings are in force across England after the UK Health Safety Agency warned that rising temperatures could increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands and south-west England are under yellow alert, while the East Midlands, east of England, London and the South East are under more severe yellow alert.
Parts of southern and south-east England could suffer “extraordinarily severe” bushfires this week due to extremely hot and dry conditions, forecasters have warned, after a sweltering and exceptionally dry June left Britain’s driest parts without rain for weeks.
Fire and rescue services in England and Wales have responded to 706 bushfires so far this year. The National Fire Chiefs Council says 208 of those were recorded in the last two weeks.
Water companies must go further and faster to reduce leaks, minister says
With half of England experiencing drought, the government’s water minister has called on water companies to reduce leaks and follow drought plans.
Emma Hardy said: “Our climate is changing, droughts are becoming more common and we need to be prepared for this new normal.
“We are delivering long-term change in the water industry and making record investments in infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs.
“We expect water companies to follow their drought plans, go further and faster to reduce leaks and ensure supplies are not disrupted even in the driest weather.”
Bryony Gooch29 July 2026 13:25
Environment Agency boss warns every drop of water must be saved in drought
The environment agency’s water manager has warned that water conservation is needed as half of England is declared in drought.
Helen Wakeham, also chair of the National Drought Group, said: “Hot, dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.
“A second consecutive summer drought is extremely serious and will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife and economy.
“We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated in hot weather, but every drop we can save is another drop for nature and agriculture.”
Bryony Gooch29 July 2026 13:10
UK heatwave map: ‘Across the North-South divide’ where temperatures will reach 34C today
Parts of southern England will enjoy a fourth heatwave this week, with temperatures reaching 34C.
While temperatures are expected to reach 33 degrees in London and surrounding districts on Wednesday, the highest temperatures were recorded as 25 degrees in Manchester and 26 degrees in Cardiff. Temperatures are expected to reach 34 degrees in parts of Essex and Cambridgeshire in the afternoon.
Bryony Gooch29 July 2026 12:50
Met Office hits new June record at 38C, higher than provisional reports
The Met Office’s weather assessment team has confirmed that the UK and England daily temperature record for June was 38C; This figure is higher than the previously reported figure of 37.7C.
The new figure, set on 26 June 2026, comes from the same station (Lingwood) as the previously reported provisional record.
Bryony Gooch29 July 2026 12:27
In pictures: People carry umbrellas for shade in the sunny capital
Bryony Gooch29 July 2026 12:20
Breaking news: Environment Agency announces half of England is officially facing drought
Seven regions in central, eastern and southern England are officially facing drought, the Environment Agency said, following record low rainfall and high temperatures.
- East Anglia
- hertfordshire
- London
- Thames Valley
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight
- Devon and Cornwall
- West Midlands
- Wessex (Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and south Gloucestershire)
Bryony Gooch29 July 2026 12:12
How hot could London get during the summer’s fourth heatwave?
Temperatures in London are expected to rise as high as 35C this week as the country prepares for the fourth heat wave of the summer.
The capital is expected to see bright sunshine and sweltering temperatures from Tuesday; Forecasts indicate scorching temperatures of 29 degrees are expected.
Temperatures will rise well above 30C on Wednesday and begin to slowly fall to around 27C on Thursday, according to the Met Office.
Bryony GoochJuly 29, 2026 11:41
Greggs’ sales soar after slushies and salads hit heatwave
Greggs has reported a significant increase in sales and profits, attributing its strong performance to its slushie and salad range, which has proven particularly popular during this summer’s heatwaves and is attracting a growing number of health-conscious consumers.
The bakery giant revealed total sales reached £1.1bn in the 26 weeks to 27 June; This means an increase of 7.2 percent compared to the same period last year.
Innovations in its menu, designed to adapt to changing consumer food trends, have been an important factor in attracting new customers. This includes popular items like the iced matcha latte and chicken roll, which were introduced in April as alternatives to the famous sausage and vegan rolls.
Greggs has also expanded its salad offerings with new and reformulated recipes, focusing on higher protein content and clearer nutrition labeling to appeal to health-conscious shoppers.
Bryony GoochJuly 29, 2026 11:19
