The head of the Thames has moved more than 8 kilometers downstream due to abnormal heatwaves in the UK.
The Guardian writes about it.
During this yearʼs prolonged drought, the riverʼs outflow moved from its official starting point near Cirencester. River experts say that this has happened for the first time.
"Following a long period of dry weather, the source of the Thames in Gloucestershire has dried up and a weak current is now only visible 5 miles [8 kilometres] downstream at Somerford Keynes," said Rob Collins, director of policy and science at the environmental group Rivers Trust.
Thames Water [which provides water, drainage, and wastewater services in London and the surrounding counties of southern England] has not yet introduced restrictions on water use. Instead, Britons are being asked to be careful with tap water, including turning off the tap while brushing their teeth.
The government was disappointed that the water company did not introduce a ban on the use of hoses. But Thames Water warned that the ban could be introduced in the future.
- Statistics from the British Met Office showed that July 2022 was the driest July in the country since 1935. On July 19, a temperature record of +40.3 °С was recorded in Great Britain.