Health officials have issued heat health alerts across England as temperatures are forecast to reach 34C again, with the warning coming amid a widespread drought affecting large parts of the country. The alerts are intended to help protect vulnerable people from the effects of extreme heat, while the prolonged dry spell has raised concerns about water supplies, agriculture and wildfire risk.

Some areas of England have gone as long as 48 days without significant rainfall, deepening the drought conditions that have developed over the summer. The combination of soaring temperatures and an extended dry spell has put further strain on water resources and prompted renewed warnings for residents to take precautions during the hottest periods of the day.