A drought has been declared across more than half of England after prolonged hot, dry weather placed increasing pressure on water supplies.
The Environment Agency (EA) said seven regions covering much of central, eastern and southern England are now officially in drought.
July brought just 7% of the average monthly rainfall across England, while southern England received only 1% of its expected rainfall.
The agency warned that the impacts are already being felt, with low river levels, early harvests and an increased risk of wildfires. Millions of people are also affected by hosepipe bans.
Seven regions now officially in drought
The regions placed under official drought status are:
- East Anglia
- Hertfordshire and Greater London
- Thames Valley
- Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
- Devon and Cornwall
- West Midlands
- Wessex, covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire
Helen Wakeham, the Environment Agency’s Director of Water and Chair of the National Drought Group, said hot and dry conditions meant water was being used faster than nature could replenish it.
Flash drought follows record heat
Although January and February were unusually wet, helping to refill reservoirs and groundwater, late spring and summer have been exceptionally hot and dry.
The combination of minimal rainfall and high temperatures has rapidly depleted moisture in soils, rivers and vegetation, creating what experts describe as a “flash drought” – a drought that develops rapidly rather than over many months.
North Wales and the Upper Severn river basin entered drought conditions last week, while Scotland continues to monitor severe water scarcity in parts of the east without formally declaring drought.
Farmers warn of climate impact
Paul Tompkins, Deputy President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) of England and Wales, said farmers were experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand.
He warned that increasingly extreme weather was making food production more difficult, riskier and more expensive, adding that drought should concern everyone because of its impact on food security.
The latest declaration marks England’s third drought in five years, following similar events in 2022 and 2025.
Heatwave expected to continue
Parts of the UK are now entering their fourth heatwave of the year.
Meanwhile, the Met Office confirmed that last month’s June temperature record has been revised upwards following verification.
The temperature recorded in Lingwood, Norfolk, on 26 June has been increased from 37.7°C to 38.0°C, setting a new UK record for June and surpassing the previous record of 35.6°C.
Also read: Thousands return home as Spain braces for new wildfire threat
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