Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWales has officially declared drought status, following a period of significantly low rainfall and consecutive heatwaves. Almost half of England's population, approximately 28 million people across central, eastern, and southern regions, is also experiencing official drought conditions, bringing the total affected in the UK to 31 million. In England, the affected areas are: East Anglia, Hertfordshire and London, Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, West Midlands and Wessex.In Wales, all regions are affected. These include: South East Wales, South Wales Central, South West Wales, Mid Wales, North East Wales and North West Wales.The Environment Agency has labelled the current situation a 'flash drought', with July projected to be England's driest month on record, receiving only seven per cent of its expected rainfall, and Wales also anticipating its driest July on record. Officials, including Helen Wakeham from the Environment Agency, describe the second consecutive summer drought as an 'exceptionally serious situation' with potential long-lasting impacts on the environment, wildlife, and economy. In fullFull list of areas hit by drought as half of England and all of Wales affectedMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Waitrose is set to roll out Mediterranean-style fridges that can withstand 48C as more than half of England is officially in drought.

Britain is currently boiling in its fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures set to reach 35C today and experts warning of 'exceptionally severe' wildfires.

England is facing an ‘exceptionally serious situation’, officials have said

Drought has been declared in half of England after months of unusually dry conditions, as officials warn that sustained low rainfall is straining water supplies, rivers and the…

Hot and dry summer strains resources with no rain for 50 days in some areas

Nearly half of England is experiencing an official drought as heat takes its toll