British officials have warned that the country could face drought this summer as dry weather puts more pressure on water supplies.

The Evening Standard said a British drought control panel, made up of representatives from the government, water companies and environmental groups, will meet to discuss ways to combat reduced rainfall, which could include a ban on water hoses and other restrictions. imposed on water in homes, farms and businesses.

It comes at a time when the Department of Meteorology indicated that “London could see heat waves and thunderstorms in August after temperatures reached record highs in July.”

And in the south of Britain next week it could be “everything from 20 to 30”, which is likely to be above average for this time of year.

Met Office spokesman Stephen Dickson said: “Our mid-range models show the possibility of some above-average temperatures in the south of the UK early next week. “Looking at the end of August, temperatures could be above average for a period of time in the south, with perhaps warmer spells during that period,” he said.

Extended dry weather could force the Environmental Protection Agency to declare a national drought next month.