The UK is experiencing another day of record-breaking temperatures, with highs reaching 35C on Thursday, July 10, 2026. This ongoing heatwave is set to persist until the end of next week, impacting five million residents due to hosepipe bans enforced by four water companies in southern and eastern England.
Current Heatwave Conditions in the UK
On Thursday, temperatures soared to 35.5C at Wisley in Surrey, marking the eighth consecutive day of exceeding 34C this year. This streak breaks the previous record of seven days set in both 1976 and 2020. The heat continued into Friday, with Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire, recording a high of 34.7C.
Overnight, five sites in England experienced 'tropical nights,' where temperatures remained above 20C, indicating the severity of the ongoing heatwave. Despite a potential cooldown over the weekend from a north-easterly breeze, amber and yellow heat health warnings remain in effect until 21:00 BST on Sunday, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Impact of Hosepipe Bans Across Regions
As a result of the prolonged dry conditions, several water companies have implemented hosepipe bans. Anglian Water has initiated its first ban in a decade, effective from 01:00 BST on Saturday, affecting customers in the east of England. Southern Water has also restricted usage for one million households in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Other companies, including South East Water and Cambridge Water, have announced their own restrictions, with Cambridge implementing its first ban in 30 years. The lack of rainfall has been significant, with the UK experiencing 14% below the long-term average in Spring 2026, particularly impacting southern England.
Health Alerts and Pollen Levels Amid High Temperatures
Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UKHSA for most of England, highlighting the risks to vulnerable populations, particularly those aged 65 and over and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. High daytime temperatures are compounded by minimal overnight cooling, which hampers recovery during sleep.
Additionally, high pollen levels are troubling many, particularly hay fever sufferers. The combination of warm temperatures, light winds, and dry conditions contributes to elevated pollen concentrations, which are expected to persist due to the ongoing dry weather.
- Key temperature records:
- 35.5C at Wisley, Surrey
- 34.7C in Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire
- 31.3C at Bute Park, Cardiff
- 29.3C at Charterhall, Scotland
- 27.5C in Killowen, Northern Ireland
As the UK continues to face this extreme heat, residents are advised to stay hydrated and adhere to hosepipe restrictions to conserve water.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC News. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
