In the year 2021, the UK is in the midst of a crippling drought and extreme heatwave.
The heatwave that has been affecting the UK since June 2021 has caused smoke to rise from the chimneys of thousands of homes across Britain. The smoke is a result of families burning wood to keep their homes cool during the summer months, when temperatures can reach over 30 degrees. Many households have also been forced to turn off their central heating systems, as there is no water left in reservoirs to fill them with.
Why are people burning wood?
As Britain enters its fourth consecutive month of drought and extreme heatwave conditions, water levels in reservoirs have dropped significantly. In response, Thames Water has issued a hosepipe ban for most of England and Wales until September 2021. This means that anyone found using a hosepipe could face fines up to £1,000 or even imprisonment.
What is going on with water supplies?
In April 2021, all four London reservoirs were at record low levels after a prolonged period of hot weather.
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