Exclusive drone photos reveal how parched region has become after driest month 'for more than a century'
Exclusive aerial photographs illustrate just how dry parts of the region have become in recent weeks, as we continue to experience a second summer heatwave.
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The images, captured by drone camera above Barr Beacon, Walsall, show what appears to be Sun-damaged earth.
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While some of the landscape still maintains its greenish beauty, the terrain certainly looks far more dehydrated and sun-baked than usual.
The region experienced its driest July for more than a century this year, and the extreme weather - sunshine and high temperatures - continued into August.
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As a result, local water suppliers are urging people to "use water wisely", while stopping short at this point of imposing a hosepipe ban.
In other parts of the country, people haven't been so lucky as drought conditions have prompted water companies to impose hosepipe bans.
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Rain could be on the way though, at least temporarily, as the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for the West Midlands for hit-and-miss thunderstorms from 10am on Monday.
The rain might provide some much-needed respite to parched countryside in the region but temperatures will remain relatively high.
It's also worth mentioning that wet weather on hard land brings with it a unique set of other potential issues.
For more information on what to expect from next week's thunderstorms, you can check out our article on the Met Office's latest weather warning.