More than half of England has officially been declared in drought following what is expected to be the driest July on record, according to the UK government.
The Environment Agency said exceptionally low rainfall combined with prolonged high temperatures has triggered a "flash drought" across large parts of the country. England has received only about seven percent of its average July rainfall, while some areas in the south recorded as little as one percent.
The country is also experiencing its fourth widespread heatwave of 2026, worsening pressure on rivers, reservoirs and agriculture.
Officials said rivers are running at unusually low levels, farmers have been forced to harvest crops earlier than normal, wildfire risks have increased, and millions of residents are now living under water-use restrictions.
Seven regions, including London, East Anglia, the West Midlands and the South West, have been placed under drought status, covering just over half of England.
The National Drought Group, made up of government officials, weather experts, regulators, water companies and farming representatives, met to assess the situation and coordinate response measures. Water companies have been instructed to prioritise repairing leaks and managing supplies efficiently.
Helen Wakeham, Director of Water at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, warned that the continued hot and dry weather means water is being consumed faster than natural sources can replenish it.
She described a second consecutive summer drought as an exceptionally serious challenge with long-term consequences for the environment, wildlife and the economy.
Meanwhile, the UK Met Office confirmed that both England and the United Kingdom set a new June daily temperature record of 38°C, revising an earlier estimate of 37.7°C.
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