It has been the driest six months to July since 1976, and it shows no signs of abating as an amber weather warning has come into effect.

With five areas across England officially in a drought and a further six experiencing prolonged dry weather, the situation has been described as a "nationally significant incident".

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) implemented an amber weather warning from 9am yesterday, and will continue until 6pm today (August 13).

Helen Wakeham, the National Drought Group (NDG) chair and director of water at the Environment Agency, said: "The situation is nationally significant, and we are calling on everyone to play their part and help reduce the pressure on our water environment.

"Water companies must continue to quickly fix leaks and lead the way in saving

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