The UK has faced cripplingly high temperatures this summer, with a new heatwave beating down on the nation it the next few days.
In the south of England, the heat has been consistently high, with the weather remaining dry across most regions.
Now the Met Office warned of temperatures hitting 36C this week, and now a drought has been declared across eight areas in England.
As stated by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, these areas include Devon and Cornwall, Solent and South Downs, Kent, south London and East Sussex, Herts and north London, East Anglia, Thames, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, and the East Midlands.
Hosepipe bans have swept into force as well, with regions further north now being affected.
Is there a hosepipe ban?
Yes, though it is only impacting certain regions across England and Wales so far.
The Met Office has warned that there is “no meaningful rainfall” on the horizon, meaning the bans could stretch well into October.
A spokesperson for Southern Water gave a stark warning earlier this month, saying: "The permit would last six months or until flows have returned to above 500Ml per day for 21 consecutive days."
There are hosepipe bans already in place, and there's a few more set to start over the next couple of weeks.
More announcements could be made as the temperature continues to rise across the UK.
Which areas have confirmed a hosepipe ban?
The first hosepipe ban impacts Southern Water customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
It came into effect on August 5, with Dr Alison Hoyle, director of risk and compliance at Southern Water, saying: "We haven't taken this decision lightly, and we know the temporary use ban will have an impact on our customers.
"We're asking everyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to do their bit by supporting these measures and only use the water that they need."
South East Water was next to issue a ban, which started on August 12, affecting Kent and Sussex.
The bans have now spread out of England and into Wales, as Pembrokeshire is also bringing in a hosepipe ban from August 19.
Yorkshire Water confirmed restrictions coming into force on August 26.
It is the first time in 27 years for the area and it will impact over five million customers.
What is the punishment for breaching the hosepipe ban?
If you care caught breaching the hosepipe ban rules, you could be fined up to £1,000 by your water supplier.
Southern Water explained: "A fine of up to £1,000 can be imposed for any breaches.
"We would like to thank all our customers for supporting these restrictions and for doing your bit to protect your local rivers."
The water supplier has encouraged people to keep an eye on their neighbours to make sure they are not flouting the rules.
