More than half of England is now officially facing drought.
The declaration is confirmed by the Environment Agency (EA) on Wednesday, July 29, as the country grapples with its fourth heatwave of the summer and critically low rainfall.
Seven regions are highly affected, including London, East Anglia, the Thames Valley, the West Midlands, Devon and Cornwall, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and Wessex.
The statement has come amid parts of Wales declaring themselves in drought status in recent times. The problem has arisen due to the creation of a “flash drought”, a type of drought whose origin is due to abnormally dry weather. The month of July recorded 7% of average rainfall for England, while the south region received only 1%. Some parts of Devon have seen 50 days without rain. Additionally, a new UK June temperature record of 38 degrees Celsius has been set by the Met Office.
Over 20 million people are facing hosepipe bans issued by seven water companies. These companies include Thames Water and South West Water. About 78% of England’s rivers are categorised as below normal levels of water, which makes it impossible for migratory fish like Atlantic salmon to travel upstream. The EA has undertaken 38 fish rescues.
Helen Wakeham, director of water at the EA: “A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation. Every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture.”
These conditions are now threatening food security, with early harvests and reduced crop yields expected. More than 200 wildfire incidents have been reported across England and Wales in the past two weeks.
Though a very rainy winter brought water back to the reserves, the level has currently dropped by 7.4% compared to what is expected at this time of year. According to the Met Office, “There is little sign of persistent rainfall which could relieve the situation.”
As climate change increases drought occurrences and intensity, England has experienced its third drought in five years, with 2022 and 2025 being the other years.
2026-07-29 19:51:00
