Drought affects more than three-quarters of England's area

The British government announced on Monday that approximately 71.3 percent of England is experiencing drought, following the country’s hottest and driest July on record, with expectations of a fifth heatwave and scant rainfall next week.

Images from Agence France-Presse showed parks and fields, typically green at this time of year, dried out and yellowed, as river levels dropped and farmers warned of potential food shortages due to poor crop yields.

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs stated, “About three-quarters of England is currently suffering from drought, with conditions worsening after a dry start to August,” adding that “all regions of the country are facing pressure on their water resources.”

The ministry noted that most of England is experiencing “flash drought,” a type of drought that develops rapidly due to lack of rainfall and rising temperatures.

This is the third time in five years that Britain, known for its typically rainy and changeable weather, has faced drought conditions.

At the end of July, authorities announced that drought was affecting more than 50 percent of England’s area.

Britain is currently enduring its fifth heatwave of the summer of 2026, a season that has seen numerous temperature records broken.

As large parts of Europe brace for a new heatwave and prolonged dry conditions, scientists warn that climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events.

The UK Met Office had previously announced that England and Wales experienced their driest July on record, with rainfall in England reaching just 10 percent of its long-term average.

The Department for Environment highlighted “warnings of continued dry weather and the imminent arrival of a new heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-30s Celsius in some areas.”

The government has imposed restrictions on agricultural irrigation and banned the use of garden hoses in certain areas, while water consumption restrictions affecting more than 27 million people are in place.

According to official figures, 45 million people currently live in drought-affected areas, out of a total UK population of approximately 69.3 million.

Tony Grayling, head of the UK’s National Drought Group, said, “The agricultural sector is bearing the brunt of the hot and dry weather, the repercussions of which will be long-lasting for the environment.”