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Kent sees joint-driest June on record as heatwave continues

By: Jenna Dobbs

Published: 12:09, 02 July 2018

Updated: 18:03, 02 July 2018

Last month was Kent's joint-driest June since records began, Met Office experts have revealed.

The county saw just 4.1mm of rainfall across the entire month, matching the previous record set in 1921.

The hot weather is showing no chance of stopping either, as high pressure means even more wall-to-wall sunshine.

The hot, dry and sunny weather is set to continue into July

Kent saw just 9% of the county's average June rainfall this year, but temperatures remained relatively steady at just 0.4C above average.

This is thanks to wind from the North Sea, which stops Kent getting as hot as other areas of the country.

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Both UV and pollen levels remain high, and the Met Office has warned people to take care while enjoying the weather.

A level three heatwave warning is currently in place across Kent, and people have been advised to stay out of the sun as much as possible.

The warning was issued earlier this morning, and will end tomorrow night at 9pm.

The news comes as local swimmers criticise council officials for failing to open an outdoor pool - because the temperature is one degree too low.

The Strand Pool will not be open today. Picture: Steve Crispe

Today, Gravesend and Ashford are set to see highs of 25C and Rochester will remain slightly cooler at 23C.

Temperatures in coastal areas like Margate will hover in the low 20s, reaching 21C at around 2pm.

For those stuck at work this week, don't worry - next weekend is predicted to be another scorcher.

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Temperatures will remain in the mid to low 20s for the next few days, getting even hotter on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Gravesend is expected to hit 27C on Sunday, with Margate just behind at 24C - perfect for a day at the beach.

Bewl Water reservoir near Lamberhurst. Picture: Matthew Walker

Dr Simon Earl from South East Water spoke to kmfm about how to reduce the water you waste during the hot weather.

He advised people to keep sprinkler use to a minimum, take short showers instead of baths, and refrain from watering the lawn should it go brown.

Simon said: "We don't know how long the hot weather will last, and of course we all want to enjoy it.

"However, we need to be aware of how and when we use water, and always use it wisely.

"During a hot spell the average amount of water a person uses can increase by 50%.

"The reservoirs and underground water sources are in a good position as we head into the summer season, but we need to be mindful of just how much water we are using."

Kent chairman of the National Farmers' Union, Toby Williams, who manages Stanhill Farm near Dartford alongside his brother Max, says the lack of rain could impact this year's harvest.

Farmer and grower Toby Williams of Stanhill Farm in Wilmington is the chairman of Kent NFU

He said: "Here on this farm, this week will be the fifth week without any rain.

"The crops that we grow here are fruit and vegetables, and we've been working round the clock just to keep them going.

"Some of our cereal crops are starting to suffer, and I'm sure other farms with cereal crops, some of which are very dry, will be suffering too.

"There could be a knock-on effect on this year's harvest."

Toby said some farmers may be having to use hay to feed livestock, due to a lack of grass, which will have an impact on their farms this winter.

While not wishing an end to the glorious weather, he is hoping for some night-time showers to help keep the crops happy.

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