Shocking aerial shots have revealed the impact of sizzling sunshine on the land as Britain experiences its longest heatwave since 1976.
Patches of scorched grass could be seen right across the countryside in photographs taken above South Woodham Ferrers in Chelmsford, Essex.
Images showed vast desert-like landscapes in areas that would normally be filled with swathes of greenery.
Aerial shots of Britain show the impact that days of sizzling sunshine have had on the land
Images taken above South Woodham Ferrers in Chelmsford, Essex, show shades of yellow and brown in areas normally filled with swathes of greenery
Meadows normally green and vibrant have been turned to shades of yellow and brown.
It’s not just the land that’s drying up in the blazing heat as emergency water supplies had to be driven into Manchester after locals reported a shortage.
Twelve tankers were spotted on the side of the road in Crewe, Cheshire, waiting to be filled up.
Water tankers line up on the side of the road in Crewe, Cheshire, waiting to be filled up
Consumers are being urged to take simple steps to reduce the amount of water they use.
Top tips include taking a shorter shower, not leaving the taps running and re-using paddling pool water for plants in the garden.
Households are using water faster than it can be supplied through treatment works in some areas.
But many reservoirs around England and Wales are still around 80 per cent capacity so there is not yet a shortage.
Up to 100,000 people flocked to Bournemouth beach today as scorching temperatures continued to fuel the heatwave
People throw themselves into the sea in Brighton as they take the chance to cool off from the hot weather that continues to sweep across the UK
Scorching temperatures are set to continue this weekend as millions of Brits head out to enjoy the sun at the country’s parks and beaches. Crowds are pictured at Brighton beach
This week has been the hottest of the year so far with temperatures hitting highs of 88F (31C).
The heatwave has caused lettuce shortages because conditions are too hot for the crop and Northern Ireland has been the subject of the UK’s first hosepipe ban in six years as millions flocked to seafronts all over England.
The first hosepipe ban of the year has hit the UK, with water companies asked customers in Northern Ireland not to use hosepipes or water sprinklers as the heatwave continues.
People cool down in Warleigh Weir as the heatwave continues to sweep across the country after a slightly cloudy start in western areas this morning
Sunbathers took the chance to cool down in Warleigh Weir this afternoon as the hot weather across the UK continues
Clouds in Belfast this morning will soon swept away by sunshine with temperatures this morning at 63F (17C) and set to climb.
Northern Ireland Water imposed its hosepipe ban at 6pm last night and Severn Trent Water has also asked people to be ‘careful with their water’.
Before that the most recent ban was imposed across southern and eastern England back in 2012 due to widespread droughts.
Engine Pool fishing lake in Earlswood, Worcestershire is abnormally low due to the hot weather as Northern Ireland receives the UK’s first hosepipe ban in six years
The water shortages come as emergency services work tirelessly to tackle a huge inferno in the Greater Manchester countryside, while flames still ravage Saddleworth Moor 35 miles away.
Burning temperatures as high as 88F (31C) have also seen multiple blazes break out across the Welsh Valleys and near Inverness in Scotland.
Firefighters have been desperately battling wildfires on Winter Hill, Horwich and Scout Road near Bolton for days, but declared a ‘major incident’ this afternoon as they failed to keep them from spreading.
Fire crews are dealing with three separate fires on Maerdy Mountain in the Welsh Valleys (pictured) with helicopter firing water in a bid to keep them under control
In Slochd, 20 miles from Inverness, 9,000 litres of water were used to stop flames (pictured) ravaging scrubland there
Nobody has been reported injured in either blaze but wildlife experts have anticipated ‘a decade of damage’ and the deaths of hundreds of animals.
The Army has been drafted in to contain flames on Saddleworth Moor, which are believed to have been caused by discarded cigarette ends.
Dramatic images show the devastating extent of the damage, as thick black smoke still billows across the skyline.
The Army has been drafted in to contain flames 35 miles away from Winter Hill on Saddleworth Moor, which are believed to have been caused by discarded cigarette ends
Three separate fires have broken out across Maerdy Mountain in Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wales
Wild fire at Slochd (about 20 miles outh of Inverness), which is close to the A9, is pictured on Saturday afternoon
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement today: ‘A major incident has been declared as the fires on Winter Hill and Scout Road near Bolton have merged.
‘We strongly urge motorists and pedestrians to adhere to all road closure signs as they are there for your safety.’
One man has been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire on Winter Hill, an hour’s drive away from Saddleworth.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said it had around 120 personnel battling wildfires in seven areas between Tameside to the east of the city, and the Winter Hill area to the northwest.
In Slochd, 20 miles from Inverness, 9,000 litres of water were used to stop flames ravaging scrubland there.