A hosepipe ban affecting more than five million people has come into effect today across much of Yorkshire, parts of North Lincolnshire and parts of Derbyshire. It prohibits the use of a hosepipe for activities such as watering the garden, washing the car or filling a paddling pool. Anyone flouting the restriction could be fined up to £1,000.

Temperatures are forecast to increase across the UK over the next few days - reaching above the official heatwave threshold in some places for the third time this year. Highs of 34C are likely on Friday and possibly Saturday,

Forecasters expect today to reach as high as 34°C in south-east Wales, central southern England and west London. Tomorrow won’t be any cooler, with a blistering 32°C forecast, which is good news for sunbathers and park-goers, at least.