Home
Weather Dublin
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
    Home / Editor's Pick /

    Water restrictions active - Wildfires break out amid ongoing drought

12:30
14 July 2026

Water restrictions active
Wildfires break out amid ongoing drought

Smoke rising from a scorched moorland hillside after a wildfire, with blackened vegetation, smouldering ground, and drifting gray smoke covering the burned landscape.
Smoke rises from a moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir in Saddleworth. - © picture alliance / Anadolu | Ioannis Alexopoulos

Wildfires are being tackled across the UK as the spell of dry, hot weather continues and drought builds.

Two major incidents have been declared, in North Wales and Derbyshire, with 19 separate active wildfires being tackled as of Tuesday amid ongoing drought.

While a wet winter helped fuel reservoir stocks, a summer with only 10 days of rain has seen levels deplete quickly, particularly in the south and east of England.

To cope with the rainfall deficit, restrictions on hosepipe usage are being introduced.

Water companies Anglian Water, Affinity Water, South East Water, Southern Water, and Cambridge Water have all brought in bans on use. Others, including some serving London, are currently advising customers to limit use.

Another record falls

During the infamous 1976 heatwave, 14 days saw temperatures pass 30°C. As of Sunday, 2026 has passed this with 15 days.

Meanwhile, hosepipe bans have already been issued across much of eastern Ireland with expectations of being expanded nationwide.

The current outlook shows only small showers and isolated thunderstorms, neither will help with the drought conditions as summer rolls on.

London

Fr
16
25
Sa
17
20
Su
17
22
Mo
16
22
Tu
14
22
We
14
22
Th
17
24
Fr
17
24
Sa
16
24
Su
18
26
Mo
18
26
Tu
17
25
We
16
24
Th
14
23
Max (°C)
Min (°C)
moreless

Manchester

Fr
16
19
Sa
14
18
Su
15
20
Mo
13
17
Tu
11
19
We
14
19
Th
15
21
Fr
13
18
Sa
13
19
Su
14
19
Mo
16
21
Tu
14
17
We
14
19
Th
12
18
Max (°C)
Min (°C)
moreless

Birmingham

Fr
14
21
Sa
15
17
Su
15
20
Mo
13
19
Tu
11
20
We
13
19
Th
15
22
Fr
14
19
Sa
13
22
Su
15
23
Mo
15
23
Tu
14
22
We
15
22
Th
11
19
Max (°C)
Min (°C)
moreless

Edinburgh

Fr
15
19
Sa
14
20
Su
13
18
Mo
13
20
Tu
11
18
We
8
17
Th
15
20
Fr
12
18
Sa
13
19
Su
11
18
Mo
15
20
Tu
11
18
We
12
18
Th
11
18
Max (°C)
Min (°C)
moreless

Cardiff

Fr
15
20
Sa
16
21
Su
15
21
Mo
14
19
Tu
11
20
We
13
20
Th
17
21
Fr
16
20
Sa
15
21
Su
17
23
Mo
17
21
Tu
16
21
We
16
20
Th
13
19
Max (°C)
Min (°C)
moreless
Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
Widespread thunderstorm risk in the UK. Heavy rain and hail too. . . Tuesday 25 August 2026
Split weather graphic showing a yellow thunderstorm warning across much of England alongside radar with heavy showers and frequent lightning around London and southeast England.
Tuesday 25 August 2026

Heavy rain and hail too

Widespread thunderstorm risk in the UK
Turbulent conditions in southern Europe. Severe thunderstorms. . . Monday 24 August 2026
Weather map shows a risk of severe weather in parts of France and Italy, amongst other places
Monday 24 August 2026

Severe thunderstorms

Turbulent conditions in southern Europe
Extreme heat in Italy. Up to 45 degrees. . . Wednesday 26 August 2026
Split screen. On the left, a temperature map of Italy. On the right, a view of Taormina and Mount Etna
Wednesday 26 August 2026

Up to 45 degrees

Extreme heat in Italy
All weather news
This might also interest you
Seasonal warmth between spring thunder. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday 19 April 2026
Split image showing coastal sunset with layered lenticular clouds over rooftops and palm trees on the left, and a green valley with river and hills under soft daylight on the right.
Sunday 19 April 2026

Your weather - Your shots

Seasonal warmth between spring thunder
Storm Chandra makes impact. Severe gales & heavy rain. . . Tuesday 27 January 2026
Split image showing strong winds over the UK on a forecast map and widespread rain and snow on a weather radar map.
Tuesday 27 January 2026

Severe gales & heavy rain

Storm Chandra makes impact
Long-term trends need a pinch of salt. 40 °C in July?. . . Tuesday 30 June 2026
Temperature radar of 2022 heatwave where the all-time temperature record in the UK was set. Warning symbol overlain.
Tuesday 30 June 2026

40 °C in July?

Long-term trends need a pinch of salt
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwitteryouTubelinkList