The period between January and June this year was the driest in England since 1976, the Met Office has said.

The hottest ever temperature in the UK was recorded last Tuesday, with thermometers hitting 40.3C in Lincolnshire and more than 30 places reaching temperatures above the previous record.

Months of below-average rainfall has also led to low groundwater levels, dry soils and low reservoir levels – and there are warnings that if rain does not come soon there may have to be restrictions on the water we use.

Today’s Nick Robinson spoke to one East Anglian arable farmer, who described the difficulties of farming in such dry conditions. Nick also spoke to Regan Harris, of Anglia Water, how prepared the company was for future extreme temperatures.

(Image, Empty reservoir tributary, Credit, PA)