London drought triggers Amber health alert as Barnet faces water restrictions

Barnet residents are facing water restrictions and health warnings after London entered its third month of drought. The UK Health Security Agency activated an Amber health alert on 3 August 2026, covering the capital and surrounding regions until 9am on 5 August. The alert warns of significant impacts on health and social care services, particularly for elderly and vulnerable residents.

The alert follows a record-breaking July in which Kew Gardens, which has monitored weather since 1871, recorded no rainfall for the first time. The Met Office reported that England received just 5.6mm of rain in July 2026, less than half the previous record low of 13.4mm set in 1911. The Environment Agency declared a drought across London on 29 July, stating that while water supplies have not run out, conservation is critical.

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Barnet Council advises water-saving measures

Barnet Council has echoed advice from Croydon Council, urging residents to reduce water use. While stopping short of the 1976 suggestion to “bath with a friend,” the council has recommended shorter showers. Thames Water, which supplies Barnet, imposed a hosepipe ban in July 2026, prohibiting the use of hoses for gardens, cars, or outdoor cleaning.

The London Fire Brigade reported responding to over 1,000 incidents per day during the heatwave, including grass fires in Croydon. Barnet’s parks and green spaces, such as Hampstead Heath and Friern Barnet Playing Fields, show signs of drought stress, with browned grass and wilting vegetation. The council has not yet issued specific fire safety advice for Barnet but has warned residents to remain vigilant.

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Temperatures remain high, with little relief in sight

Temperatures in Barnet reached 34°C on 3 August, with the Met Office predicting a slight drop to 27°C on 4 August before stabilising around 25°C. The UK Health Security Agency’s alert highlights that street-level temperatures can exceed shaded readings due to heat reflected by pavements. If temperatures stay above 28°C for three consecutive days, London will experience its fifth heatwave of 2026.

The BBC’s 14-day forecast indicates that next week will be warmer and drier than the current period. The Met Office described July 2026 as characterised by “an exceptional combination of extreme heat, abundant sunshine and an almost complete absence of rainfall.”

While this doesn’t mean water has run out, it does mean we all need to use it carefully and help reduce the risk of wildfires.

Croydon Council, as reported by Inside Croydon

What happens next for Barnet residents

The Amber health alert remains in place until 9am on 5 August 2026. Barnet Council has not announced additional local measures but has directed residents to Thames Water’s drought advice page for water-saving tips. The Environment Agency will continue to monitor water levels and could introduce further restrictions if the drought persists.

Residents are advised to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, particularly those without air conditioning or access to cool spaces. Barnet’s libraries and community centres, including the Hendon Library and the artsdepot in North Finchley, remain open as cooling hubs during operating hours.