More than half of England classified as being in drought conditions

British authorities have classified more than half of England in a state of drought, as July is expected to become the country’s driest month since records began. The Environment Agency stated in a press release that “a vast area in central, eastern, and southern England is currently experiencing drought conditions,” exacerbated by “the simultaneous impact of severely low rainfall and rising temperatures.”

Rainfall in July did not exceed 7% of the usual average for this time of year, and in southern England, it did not even reach 1%. Another third of England is also suffering from long-term drought. The Environment Agency noted in its statement that “river levels are declining, farmers are forced to harvest earlier than planned, the risk of wildfires is increasing, and millions of people are subject to water use restrictions.”

The agency also noted that England has already experienced three heatwaves since May, and is currently enduring a fourth. Helen Wickham, an official at the agency, warned that “the second consecutive summer drought (following that recorded in 2025) will create a highly dangerous situation with long-term repercussions for the environment, wildlife, and the economy” in England. June was the hottest month on record since climate records began in 1884. The UK Met Office reported yesterday that the new heat record reached 38 degrees Celsius, recorded on June 26 in Lingwood, eastern England.