More than 30 stretches of Britain’s canal network have reportedly been forced to close as unusually hot, dry conditions lower water levels and restrict navigation. The closures underline the wider pressure that prolonged heat can place on waterways, affecting boaters, local businesses and the management of water supplies.

The article links the disruption to further “extreme heat” warnings, suggesting the dry weather is worsening conditions across parts of the network. Canal authorities may need to limit boat movements or close locks where water levels are too low to operate safely, although the full scale and duration of individual closures may vary by location.