This photo shows the water level of the Garonne River in the city centre of Toulouse, southwestern France on July 28, 2026. The persistence of high temperatures and the absence of significant precipitation in the Haute-Garonne departement have led to a deteriorated hydrological situation, prompting the prefect to tighten restrictions on water use since July 18, 2026. The United Kingdom as well as many other countries in Europe are also battling with hot weather and wildfires. — AFP pic First Published: Wednesday, 29 Jul 2026 7:59 PM MYT LONDON, July 29 — Just over half of England, comprising swathes of the country’s central, eastern and southern regions, has been declared in drought following “record-low rain and exceptionally high temperatures”, the UK government said today.“A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife, and the economy,” Helen Wakeham, the government Environment Agency’s director of water said. — AFP