Story perspectives

Southern Water’s drought ban application follows UK’s 38.1°C record

8/14/2026

Summary

Southern Water Drought

Southern Water applied on 13 Aug 2026 for a drought order banning water use, the first ban since May 2006.
The Met Office recorded the UK’s hottest day on 13 Aug 2026 at 38.1 °C in West London, beating 38 °C on 28 June.
Ofwat will permit water firms to raise bills to fund an extra £3.4 billion for supply amid the drought.

Summary

Europe Sizzles

Scientists say accelerating human-caused warming and a developing El Niño are driving Europe’s unprecedented heat wave.
Copernicus recorded a July sea-surface temperature record of 20.96 °C across extrapolar oceans, beating 2023.
Western Europe’s June-July average rose to 21.62 °C, breaking the 2022 benchmark.
Météo-France warned southeastern France could near 40 °C from Tuesday.
The UK issued an amber heat-health alert for 36 °C peaks later this week.

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Southern Water Drought

Southern Water applied on 13 Aug 2026 for a drought order banning water use, the first ban since May 2006.
The Met Office recorded the UK’s hottest day on 13 Aug 2026 at 38.1 °C in West London, beating 38 °C on 28 June.
Ofwat will permit water firms to raise bills to fund an extra £3.4 billion for supply amid the drought.

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