Britain is likely to experience the “driest start to a year” in 69 years as water supplies in many areas hit a new low due to hot weather conditions. Water levels in Wayoh Reservoir near Edgworth in Lancashire have reduced drastically as authorities urge locals across the country to use water wisely.

In the North West of England, reservoir levels sit at just 69% full – compared to over 90% at this time last year. United Utilities has asked everyone to "help use water wisely" while it tries to make the "very best use of its water resources". They said that, on average, each person uses about 140 litres of water a day – taking one less minute in the shower would save 12 litres and one less load of washing would save about 40 litres.

Haweswater and Thirlmere in the Lake District are currently 59% full, a significant drop from 95% at the same time last year - marking a 36% decrease.

The Environment Agency reports that last week, North East, Central, and East England received only 2mm of rainfall, while the rest of the country saw less than 1mm.

United Utilities’ Chief Operating Officer Matt Hemmings said the company is investing in pipe upgrades to reduce leakage and "safeguard supplies over the long term".

He said: "We can all play our part to make sure there's enough water for people, wildlife, and the environment."

The lack of rain also gave birth to a rare 30 metre high 'dust devil' which ripped through Manchester city centre on Saturday.

A dust devil, typically found in desert regions, is a swirling, dust-filled vortex of air that rises upward, ranging in height from just a few feet to over 1,000 feet.

The Met Office explained the concept of dust devil and said: "They are usually several metres in diameter at the base, then narrowing for a short distance before expanding again.

"They mainly occur in desert and semi-arid areas, where the ground is dry and high surface temperatures produce strong updrafts."

Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said there could be "heavy, short sharp" bursts of rain and hail and lightning, adding: "As is the case with thunderstorms, they're often quite hit and miss.