UK Environment Agency declares drought in half of England's regions

London, July 29 (KUNA) -- The UK Environment Agency declared a drought in half of England’s regions on Wednesday, citing low rainfall rates and hot, dry weather. In a statement, the agency noted that large areas of central, eastern, and southern England are currently experiencing a sudden and rapidly developing drought wave, driven by reduced precipitation and rising temperatures. It added that river water levels have dropped, forcing farmers to harvest crops early, while wildfire risks have increased and millions of residents are subject to water-use restrictions. The agency confirmed it has intensified its operational response, including enhancing monitoring and control of water withdrawals from rivers and groundwater.

The agency quoted Helen Wekhham, its director for water and head of the National Drought Group, as saying, “The hot and dry weather indicates that we are currently consuming water at a faster rate than nature can replenish.” Wekhham explained that a second consecutive summer drought wave represents an extremely serious situation and will have long-term repercussions for the environment, wildlife, and the economy.

Earlier, on Monday, the UK Health Security Agency raised the health warning level for heat in parts of England to “orange” in tandem with rising temperatures between July 28 and 30.

The current drought wave means that England has experienced three drought events in the past five years, in 2022, 2025, and now in 2026. (End) A.S.H./F.L.A.