Half of England Declared in Drought After Prolonged Heat and Record Low Rainfall

LONDON: More than half of England has officially been placed under drought status following weeks of exceptionally hot and dry weather, prompting authorities to warn of mounting pressure on water supplies, agriculture, and the environment.

Britain’s Environment Agency declared drought conditions across seven regions, including London, the Thames Valley, East Anglia, the West Midlands, and parts of southwest England, after prolonged high temperatures and exceptionally low rainfall caused river levels, reservoirs, and groundwater supplies to fall significantly below seasonal averages.

The declaration follows what is expected to be one of the driest Julys on record in England. Officials said several areas have received only a fraction of their normal monthly rainfall, increasing the risk of water shortages, crop damage, wildfires, and ecological disruption.

The Environment Agency urged households and businesses to conserve water, while several water companies have already imposed or announced temporary hosepipe bans affecting millions of customers. Authorities warned that additional restrictions could be introduced if dry conditions persist.

Farmers have reported deteriorating crop conditions and reduced pasture for livestock, while conservation officials warned that low river flows and warmer water temperatures are threatening fish populations and other wildlife. The drought has also heightened the risk of wildfires across parched grasslands and forests.

Government officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with water companies, environmental agencies, and the agricultural sector to safeguard essential water supplies. Experts cautioned that increasingly frequent droughts and heatwaves reflect the growing impact of climate change, underscoring the need for long-term investment in water infrastructure and resilience measures.