Over Half of England Declared in Drought Amid Heatwave

Jul 29, 2026

59 min

Jul 29, 2026 14:31

More than half of England ‘officially in drought’

## Drought Declared in England

The UK government has officially declared that more than half of England is experiencing drought conditions. This announcement comes after a period of record-low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures, marking what could be the driest July on record.

## Impact of Heatwave

England is currently enduring its fourth major heatwave of 2026. The Environment Agency reports that only seven percent of the expected rainfall has occurred nationwide, with some southern areas receiving as little as one percent. This "flash drought" has led to low river levels, early crop harvesting, increased wildfire risks, and water use restrictions affecting millions.

## Affected Regions

The drought declaration covers seven regions, including London, East Anglia, the southwest, and the West Midlands, accounting for 51.4% of England. The National Drought Group, comprising government officials, meteorologists, and water companies, convened to address the situation and discuss response strategies.

## Long-term Concerns

Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency, emphasized the seriousness of consecutive summer droughts, highlighting potential long-term impacts on the environment, wildlife, and economy. The Met Office also confirmed that June saw record-breaking temperatures, with a new high of 38°C recorded in England.

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