The Latest Breaking News on Droughts

An amber weather warning for extreme heat from the Met Office is in place for much of England and Wales until Sunday - but then thunderstorms will hit next week

Tip and tricks for watering your plants when you can’t use a hose

Britain officially declared a drought in parts of England on Friday as households faced new curbs on water usage during a prolonged period of hot and dry weather that has kindled wildfires and tested infrastructure.

Under the restrictions, customers are banned from using a hosepipe to water their gardens, clean their vehicles, fill their swimming pools or clean their homes

Yorkshire Water is the latest firm to announce restrictions, to start on 26 August, while a South East Water ban is now in place for some 1.4m Kent and Sussex customers.

(This August 11 story corrects spelling of last name of engagement officer in paragraphs 5 and 7)

By Friday afternoon, temperatures are to soar as high as 35C in southern areas of the country.

Police were called to scene by blocked engineer

Experts warn of current and future impact of drought as ministers are expected to make official declaration