Jersey declared in drought after more than two weeks without rain

Jersey has officially entered drought conditions after the island went more than two weeks without recorded rainfall.

Jersey Met said no rain had been measured at its Maison St Louis Observatory in St Saviour since 27 July.

The dry spell is expected to continue, with only a 5% chance of rain forecast for Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, temperatures are set to climb, with the island forecast to reach 34C (93.2F) on Wednesday.

The lack of rainfall comes as drought conditions worsen across the UK. Officials announced on Monday that 71.3% of England was experiencing drought after the country recorded its driest July since records began in 1836.

Despite the prolonged dry weather, Jersey Water said last week that the island remained "some way off" introducing a hosepipe ban. Its reservoirs were reported to be nearly three-quarters full, although residents were urged to continue using water carefully.

Jersey Water has also begun preparations to bring its Corbiere desalination plant into operation if needed. The facility can convert seawater into drinking water, providing an additional source of supply during prolonged dry periods.

Jersey's longest recorded drought lasted 39 days in 1976.