Hosepipe bans to spread in 32C heatwave

HOSEPIPE bans affecting millions of households across the country have kicked in as the third heatwave in less than a month brings temperatures topping 32C.

- By Stephen Beech

Amber heat health alerts remain in place until Monday, with scorching conditions forecast to continue through the weekend.

Wildfire warnings are also in place in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Beaches were full to bursting yesterday and even the dolphins seemed keen to get in on the action as bottlenoses were seen leaping above the waves off Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

The penguins at Edinburgh zoo were given plenty of ice to keep them cool.

Yesterday’s sizzler was preempted on Thursday night by a rising full buck moon seeming to glow in a red hot explosion behind The Needles on the Isle of Wight.

As the prolonged warm and dry weather continues more than six million people across England have been ordered not to use their hosepipes.

And more bans could follow after water firms warned of “limited” supplies.