In pictures: Dry Britain as heatwave leaves reservoirs and rivers empty

Soaring temperatures across the country are now leaving a visible effect on swathes of the UK.

The heatwave has already seen temperatures top 30C in some parts, while the Met Office has extended its amber warning for extreme heat for much of England and Wales.

The warning is now in place from Sunday until the end of Tuesday, with the hot spell expected to peak on Monday or Tuesday.

A combination of constant sunshine, high temperatures and a lack of rain have all contributed to dry riverbeds and dusty reservoirs.

The public is being warned of the dangers of swimming in unsupervised areas of open water to cool off during the heatwave, and told not to leave pets or children in parked cars even for short periods.

And there are concerns about the risks of wildfires, with visitors to the countryside and green spaces warned not to use barbecues; make sure cigarettes are properly put out and disposed of; and not leave litter such as glass bottles, which could cause a fire to start in the tinder-dry conditions.

The heatwave is a result of high pressure and hot air flowing to the UK from the Continent.

Temperatures could peak in excess of 35C in central and south-east England next week, and more widely around 32C within the area covered by the warning, with Monday and Tuesday most likely to see the peak of the heat, the Met Office said.

Northern Ireland and Scotland could also see temperatures in the high 20s.

There is still a chance of record-breaking heat – outstripping the 38.7C seen in Cambridge in July 2019 – though that is now looking slightly less likely.