The British Government declares a state of drought in several areas of England

• Climate crisis UK boils under another heat wave and risk of drought

The British Government has officially declared a state of

in some areas of the southwest, south, center and east of

, due to the absence of rain and a prolonged period of high temperatures.

With this announcement, made by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, drinking water supply companies

on the use of water in order to conserve reserves.

Environment

climate crisis.

UK boils under another heat wave and risk of drought

• Drafting: MARÍA SIERRALondon

UK boils under another heat wave and risk of drought

The

heat alert in England and Wales,

due to the second heat wave, which is expected to last until this Sunday.

The state of drought was declared at the end of a meeting of the so-called National Drought Group, formed, among others, by representatives of the Ministry of the Environment, the water companies, the Environment Agency, the

(NFU, in English), as well as the water service regulator Ofwat.

Secretary of State for Water

told the media today that the country is "experiencing a second heat wave after what was the driest July on record in parts of the country. The Government and other partners are already taking action." , including the Environment Agency, to manage the impacts".

"All the water companies

and we have made it clear that it is their duty to maintain those supplies," he added.

"We are better prepared than ever for periods of dry weather, but we will continue to monitor the situation, including impacts on farmers and the environment, and

as needed," Double said.

Some water companies in

and the south of

have already announced restrictions on water use, such as a ban on the use of hoses to water gardens or wash cars.

The

, amber one below the maximum (red), will be in force until Sunday and specifically affects central and southern England and part of Wales.

In some areas, temperatures can reach

, but below those recorded in the first heat wave at the beginning of last July, when they reached 40 degrees.

According to the Met,

because the pastures are very dry due to the lack of rain, a situation that has lasted for more than a month, for which the population has been recommended to avoid barbecues.

The heat wave, according to the Met, can have an effect on the health of the most vulnerable, such as children and the elderly, and transportation.

In

and

, on the other hand, temperatures are around 25 degrees.

In the July heat wave, the UK recorded unusual summer temperatures and for the first time the country was forced to declare a red alert.

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