England and Wales are on course for their driest July since records began, intensifying drought conditions and pressure on water supplies. The lack of rainfall, combined with repeated heatwaves, has reduced river flows, prompted early harvests, increased wildfire risks and led to hosepipe bans affecting more than 20 million people.

England received 5.6mm of rain by 30 July and Wales 7.9mm, both only 8% of their usual July rainfall and well below records set in 1911. The UK overall could see its third driest July, while Wales is heading for its warmest July by average temperature and England its joint warmest; estimated heat-related deaths during May and June heatwaves reached 2,877.