The Met Office has declared that 2026 has marked a historic milestone by experiencing temperatures of 35C or higher on six different days for the first time. This announcement coincides with the UK bracing for its third heatwave in just three months, with the mercury soaring to 35.2C in Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire today, surpassing the previous records held by 1976 and 2020 with five days each above 35C.
In addition to this, 2026 has broken records by witnessing temperatures exceeding 35C in three different calendar months. So far this summer, there have been nine instances of temperatures hitting 34C or higher, prompting Affinity Water to impose a hosepipe ban affecting millions in South East England due to the strain on water resources caused by the extreme heat and increased demand.
Affinity Water’s ban, effective from July 17, prohibits the use of hosepipes for various activities to conserve water supplies amidst unprecedented demand. Similar restrictions have been implemented in regions like the east of England, Cambridge, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and parts of Kent by other water companies. The UK has recently set a new record with eight days reaching or exceeding 34C in a calendar year, highlighting the escalating pressure on water systems.
As water resources face heightened stress due to climate change impacts and population growth, various water companies are urging customers to use water responsibly. While some, like Southern Water and Anglian Water, have imposed hosepipe bans, others are advising customers to limit their water usage during the ongoing heatwave.
The Metropolitan Police has also issued a plea for the public to refrain from non-emergency calls as the heatwave continues, with temperatures expected to remain high over the weekend, coinciding with England’s participation in the FIFA World Cup. Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Matt Jukes emphasized the need for prioritizing essential calls to ensure efficient emergency response despite the challenging conditions.