Flooding warning as rain finally forecast for drought-stricken land

• Wessex Water has introduced a hosepipe ban for 1.4 million customers across the South West, marking its first restriction in 50 years and taking the total number of people affected in England to over 27 million.
• Met Office forecasters have warned that incoming heavy showers could lead to surface water flooding as rain falls on dry, parched ground following five summer heatwaves.
• Despite the predicted rainfall, experts caution that it will not be enough to end widespread drought conditions putting pressure on infrastructure, farming, and emergency services.
• A record 1,132 wildfires have been recorded across England and Wales so far in 2026 following prolonged dry spells, with emergency alerts recently issued to warn the public of high fire risks.
• In Kent, prolonged high demand and infrastructure issues have left more than 8,000 South East Water customers experiencing severe water supply disruptions.