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Millions hit with instant hosepipe ban as scorching heatwave leaves Britain bone dry

Millions of people are facing an immediate hosepipe ban as unprecedented heatwaves and dry weather have pushed UK water demand to record levels

[Sun-crazed Brits are being ordered to put down their hoses right away as millions face a summer water lockdown]

Sun-crazed Brits are being ordered to put down their hoses right away as millions face a summer water lockdown(Image: PA)

Sun-crazed Brits are being ordered to put down their hoses right away as millions face a summer water lockdown. Thames Water has officially slapped a temporary use ban on its customers following three scorching heatwaves and the driest spring on record.

While the ban officially kicks in just after midnight on Thursday (July 23), bosses are pleading with households to stop sprinkling immediately. That means no more jet-washing the car, no topping up the garden hot tub, and strict no-go zones for paddling pools and lawn sprinklers.

Water usage has skyrocketed to a ten per cent above normal in the Thames Valley and Home Counties, with thirsty Londoners also guzzling seven per cent more water than usual as temperatures soar.

[Thames Water has slapped a temporary use ban on its customers following three scorching heatwaves]

Thames Water has slapped a temporary use ban on its customers following three scorching heatwaves(Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)

Nevil Muncaster, director of strategic water resources at Thames Water, said: "We would not be taking this step unless it was necessary to protect water supplies for everyone and the environment.

"While there is enough water for essential use, we need to reduce non-essential outdoor demand to keep taps flowing."

"Many customers have already reduced their water use and that support has made a difference. Thank you to everyone who has already changed their daily habits."

[Bosses are pleading with households to stop using hoses immediately]

Bosses are pleading with households to stop using hoses immediately(Image: Getty Images)

Company chiefs say teams are working around the clock to fix leaking pipes and keep the water flowing, promising relief as soon as the weather eases.

Muncaster added: "We will keep the situation under close review and lift restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so."

The strict ban applies to all Thames Water fresh water customers, though waste-only households miss the chop.

It comes as Britain is set to get cooked once again as a brutal end-of-month heat blast threatens to turn weather maps dark red.

New radar charts show a blistering 32C furnace sweeping in from Europe, leaving vast swathes of the country sweltering in uncomfortable humidity.

Forecasters at WX Charts show the scorching conditions taking hold on Friday, July 31, with temperatures climbing above 30C in at least ten major towns and cities.

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