The south west is on an amber alert for extreme heat - and, with no rain on the horizon, it seems that an official drought will be declared tomorrow (Friday).
The extreme heat warning starts today (Thursday) and extends to late Sunday.
Friday and Saturday are expected to see the highest temperatures - low-to-mid 30s Celsius.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Dan Rudman, said: “Thanks to persistent high pressure over the UK, temperatures will be rising day-on-day through this week and an Extreme heat warning has been issued.
“Temperatures are expected to peak at 35C on Friday and Saturday, or even an isolated 36C on Saturday. Elsewhere will see temperatures widely into the high 20s and low 30s Celsius.
“Coupled with the high daytime temperatures there will be some warm nights, with temperatures expected not to drop below the low 20s Celsius for some areas in the south.”
After the driest July in England since 1935, there’s no rain forecast for the south west in the coming week.
Dan Rudman said: “With high pressure dominant this week, any showers this week will be contained to the far northwest, and even here they will be short-lived in nature.
“Further south, which has seen little rain for some time now, it will continue dry through the week providing no relief for parched land, especially in the southeast.
“Some change to more unsettled conditions is then signalled but, as is often the case during the summer, details a week or more in advance of showers and rain are highly uncertain.”
In the week July 27 - August 2, the south west had only 3mm of rain.
An official drought may be declared for England tomorrow (Friday, August 12) as water supplies come under strain.
The National Drought Group, whose representatives come from government officials, water companies and the farming industry are to meet tomorrow and it is reported to be likely that likely the Environment Agency will move the country to official drought status.
Livestock could suffer in the heat, says Dr. Justine Shotton, president of the British Veterinary Association.
She said: “Animals need extra care during the summer to keep them safe from heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, heart conditions, breathing difficulties and sunburn, many of which can sadly be fatal.
“Make sure animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times."
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