A nationwide hosepipe ban will be imposed across Ireland from Friday as the heatwave continues.

Irish Water announced the ban will come into force from 8am, saying Ireland is trying to "manage with the summer".

A hosepipe ban is already in place across Dublin and its surrounding areas, after being brought in on Monday.

People across Ireland could face fines if they use hosepipes to water their gardens, wash cars or fill paddling pools or ponds.

The ban will last until the end of the month.


Image: Like the UK, Ireland has been experiencing a heatwave

The heightened restrictions came as water companies in England urged people to save water where possible amid a period of dry weather the Met Office has said shows "no real signs" of coming to an end.

In the latest Sky News forecast, weather producer Chris England said parts of England and Wales could expect thunderstorms over the next few days, but echoed the Met Office warning that widespread showers would not be seen any time soon.

Yorkshire Water said daily water consumption was up by up to an extra 200 million litres, with contingency plans put in place to increase water production capacity.

While reservoir levels are close to three-quarters full, the lack of any impending rainfall is a worry.

Image: Runners in Scotland cool off during the Iron Man triathlon

Pamela Doherty, Yorkshire Water's service delivery director, said: "Despite there being no current water shortages, water is a precious resource and we would still encourage everyone to do their bit to help by using water a little more efficiently.

"Our top tips are to limit time spent in the shower to no more than four minutes, use a watering can to water garden plants, and to hold off on cleaning the car - but if you have to wash it use just a bucket and sponge."

Elsewhere, Severn Trent Water has been putting water directly into the pipes from tankers and providing bottled water stations in areas such as the High Peaks to deal with loss of supplies in the face of high demand.

Image: Paddleboating in London's Regent's Park

Farming is among the industries likely to be counting the cost of the lack of rain.

National Farmers' Union deputy president Guy Smith said: "A lack of rainfall will mean poor grass growth for livestock and dairy farmers, and some arable farmers will have seen no recordable rainfall in a key month for their crops.

"Growers of irrigated crops currently have sufficient access to water to grow our fruit and vegetables, however abstraction restrictions may become inevitable in some catchments."