"Rivers are running low, farmers are having to harvest crops early, wildfire risk is increasing, and millions of people are living under restrictions on water use," the UK Environment Agency said in its announcement.
Published on
29/07/2026 - 20:05 GMT+2
UK authorities on Wednesday declared more than half of England in drought after "record-low rain and exceptionally high temperatures".
The declaration follows what is set to be the driest July on record, with around just seven percent of expected rainfall nationwide and some parts of southern England seeing just one percent, according to the UK government's Environment Agency.
The UK is also currently experiencing its fourth widespread heatwave of 2026.
Over half of England is officially in drought after record-low rain and extreme heat, triggering water restrictions, crop risks…
Just over half of England has been declared in drought after "record-low rain and exceptionally high temperatures", the UK…
Over half of England faces drought due to record-low rainfall and high temperatures, prompting water use restrictions.
Drought has been declared in half of England after months of unusually dry conditions, as officials warn that sustained low…
It follows what is set to be the driest July on record, with just seven percent of expected rainfall nationwide. | World News
Environment Agency names seven regions affected by unusually hot and dry weather and shortage of water
More than half of England ‘officially in drought’: U.K. government
