Over 40 million people in the UK are facing stringent water restrictions as a severe heatwave grips the nation, with temperatures exceeding 35°C recorded on six separate days in a single year for the first time.

Five water companies have implemented hosepipe bans, affecting approximately 11 million households, while an additional 33 million are urged to conserve water.Anglian Water, Affinity Water, Southern Water, and Cambridge Water have introduced restrictions, warning of significant pressure on resources.Experts warn that the risk of drought is escalating, with climate change making extreme weather increasingly common.The Met Office confirmed that temperatures of 35°C or higher have been recorded on six separate days, a historic milestone.Water companies are being urged to invest in infrastructure to manage future heatwaves, including expanding reservoirs and smart meter installations.Thames Water reported a 30% surge in water usage, with London alone consuming an extra billion litres.

The heatwave has also led to record-breaking temperatures in regions like Derbyshire and Hertfordshire, with warnings that conditions could rival the 1976 heatwave.Residents are being advised to limit non-essential water use, such as car washing and lawn irrigation, to prevent further strain on supplies.