The United Kingdom is preparing for a fourth consecutive summer heatwave amid an ongoing historic drought that has left large parts of the country exceptionally dry. Temperatures are expected to reach at least 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in several regions early next week, compounding concerns over water scarcity and fire risks.

Weeks without significant rainfall have transformed much of the landscape. In Wiltshire, the grass surrounding Stonehenge has turned dust-like, while Southsea Common in Hampshire now resembles straw. Contrasting sharply, well-maintained greens at a golf course in Dorset stand out as rare patches of lushness. The dry conditions have contributed to wildfires, including one in North Wales that has persisted for several days and required the deployment of a specialized helicopter to contain it.

July is on track to be the driest month in Britain for 200 years, with some South East areas experiencing up to 36 consecutive days without precipitation—a new 30-year record. This ongoing dry spell follows Britain’s hottest June since temperature records began, further exacerbating drought conditions. Official drought declarations have been made in North Wales and the Upper Severn region.

The effects on local activities have been notable. Several cricket matches have been cancelled due to damaged, cracked pitches, and a duck race near Nottingham was called off after the brook on which it depended ran dry.

While forecasters anticipate some rainfall in northern parts of the UK as cooler weather moves in, the driest southern regions—including London, which is expected to see the highest temperatures on Wednesday—are unlikely to benefit from this change.

The Environment Agency reports that reservoir storage levels in England currently stand at 75 percent capacity, seven percentage points below the long-term average for this time of year. Two reservoirs in Somerset, Blagdon and Wimbleball, are particularly depleted, holding just 59 percent and 57 percent capacity, respectively. Due to these shortages, approximately half of England’s population is now subject to water use restrictions, including widespread hosepipe bans.

Heat warnings have been issued for several areas, including the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, and West Midlands, highlighting potential health and wellbeing risks as temperatures remain elevated. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely amid concerns that the drought and heatwave will further strain water supplies and increase the likelihood of wildfires in the coming weeks.