- Central and south-east England have experienced their most prolonged period without recorded rainfall this century, with 14 consecutive days of zero precipitation from 2 to 15 July.
- This unprecedented dry spell coincides with continued warm and sunny conditions, and is the longest for south-east England since April 1997 and for central England since June 1996, according to Met Office figures.
- Scientists warn that human-driven global warming is contributing to extreme weather and disrupted rainfall patterns, with the intensifying strain on water supplies leading to several hosepipe bans across parts of southern England this summer.
- The UK recorded 30.6C on Thursday, marking the 12th consecutive day temperatures have exceeded 30C somewhere in the country, with 27 days over 30C so far this year.
- David Hayter, the Met Office ’s deputy chief meteorologist, said: “The high pressure, which has brought this prolonged fine spell, will continue for the next week or so at least, but will shift enough to enable a more northerly flow that will introduce a cooler feel that will end the run of 30C days.”
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