London faces extended heatwave risk and water restrictions into September
Thames Water storage drops 15% in a month as hosepipe ban remains in place until further notice
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London could face prolonged heatwaves into September, the Met Office has warned. Its monthly forecast indicates temperatures are likely to remain above average, with possible hot spells and heatwaves, particularly in the south. The warning follows a summer of repeated heat spikes and persistent dry conditions.
Thames Water has reported a 15% drop in water storage compared with the previous month. Martin Padley, the company’s Water Director, told MyLondon that while taps are not at risk of running dry, residents should treat water as a limited resource. A temporary hosepipe ban, introduced on 23 July, remains in effect.
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Heat health alerts and water restrictions
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert for London, set to expire at 9 a.m. on 5 August. The alert covers the East Midlands, East of England and the South East, warning of potential impacts on health and social care services. Temperatures have been high enough to trigger the alert for much of the past week.
Thames Water’s hosepipe ban applies to all domestic customers in its supply area. Similar restrictions have been imposed by Affinity Water, covering parts of West London, and Essex and Suffolk Water, affecting some East London residents. No end date for the bans has been announced.
England faces record drought with rain not due until October
London has recorded 38 consecutive dry days as reservoirs fall below seasonal averages
Forecast for the coming days
Today, 5 August, is expected to start with scattered showers, clearing to leave a dry day with sunshine. Temperatures will peak at 26°C, cooler than recent weeks but still above the August average. Winds will strengthen from the west, making conditions feel less oppressive than in previous days.
Overnight, temperatures will drop to around 14°C, providing relief after a series of warm nights. Thursday, 6 August, will bring largely dry weather with hazy sunshine and a high of 23°C. The Met Office forecasts a return to warmer conditions from Friday, with temperatures rising again over the weekend.
A slight chance of showers exists on Sunday, 8 August, though most areas are expected to remain dry. The longer-term outlook suggests little rainfall, increasing concerns over water supplies as demand remains high during the summer months.
What happens next
The Met Office will update its monthly forecast in the coming days, which may provide further clarity on the likelihood of September heatwaves. Thames Water has not indicated when the hosepipe ban will be lifted, stating that restrictions will remain in place until reservoir levels recover sufficiently.
Residents are advised to check their water supplier’s website for updates on restrictions. The UK Health Security Agency will review heat health alerts daily, with any extensions or cancellations announced on its website.
Questions this report answers
+How long will the hosepipe ban last?
Thames Water has not set an end date for the temporary hosepipe ban, introduced on 23 July. The company says restrictions will remain until water storage levels recover. Residents should check Thames Water’s website for updates.
+Is London at risk of running out of water?
Thames Water’s Water Director, Martin Padley, told MyLondon that taps are not at risk of running dry. However, storage levels are 15% lower than last month, and the company urges customers to use water carefully during the drought.
+What does the amber heat health alert mean?
The UK Health Security Agency’s amber alert warns of potential health risks due to high temperatures, particularly for vulnerable groups. It advises health and social care services to take precautions. The alert for London is in place until 9 a.m. on 5 August.
+Will the heatwave continue into September?
The Met Office’s monthly forecast suggests temperatures are likely to remain above average in September, with possible heatwaves in southern England. However, its day-to-day forecasts do not yet extend that far.
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