'British Environment' Declares Drought in Half of England's Regions

- Declining rainfall and rising temperatures exacerbate water crisis and increase wildfire risks

The UK Environment Agency announced on Wednesday a drought situation across half of England due to reduced 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, caused by a decline in precipitation and rising temperatures.

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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 measures for water withdrawals from rivers and groundwater.

The agency quoted Helen Whigham, its Director for Water and Chair of the National Drought Group, as saying, “The hot and dry weather indicates that we are currently consuming water at a rate faster than nature can replenish it.”

Whigham explained that a second consecutive summer drought wave represents an extremely serious situation, with 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,” coinciding with rising temperatures between July 28 and 30.

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The current drought wave means that England has experienced three drought events in the past five years, occurring in 2022, 2025, and now in 2026.