Massive swathes of UK 'moving into drought status' as heatwave misery goes on

dailystar.co.uk:

Terrifying new satellite images were shared on Thursday showing Britain from above, slowly turning into a desert-like landscape amid the ongoing heatwave.The declaration by DEFRA of moving parts of England into drought status comes a day after the Met Office issued an amber "extreme heat" warning, in place until Sunday (August 14).READ MORE: UK summer branded 'scary' by Met Office boss as we must brace for fires 36C heatwaveIt could lead to more measures such as hosepipe bans, however, the Environment Agency has reassured the public that essential water supplies are safe.The Environment Secretary George Eustice and Environment Minister Steve Double met with the chief executives of water companies on Wednesday, to discuss the ongoing response to the prolonged dry weather.The conditions, which have almost completely deprived some areas of rainfall all summer, have prompted the National Drought Group to move parts of the South West, parts of southern and central England, and the East of England into official drought status.Ministers heard from chief executives about how their companies are taking necessary steps to safeguard public water supplies and mitigate the effects of this exceptionally dry period.Mr Double has since said in a statement: "We are currently experiencing a second heatwave after what was the driest July on record for parts of the country."Action is already being taken by the Government and other partners including the Environment Agency to manage the impacts."For more shocking stories from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters hereHe added: "All water companies have reassured us that essential supplies are still safe. "We are better prepared than ever before for periods of dry.