Key facts
- Half of England and all of Wales are officially in drought.
- July is projected to be the driest month on record for England and Wales.
- Four record-breaking heatwaves have impacted the UK and Europe since May.
- Approximately 23 million people are under a hosepipe ban.
- July saw 393 wildfires across England and Wales, the busiest month on record for fires.
- Climate change is predicted to make UK summers significantly hotter and drier by 2070.
England and Wales are officially experiencing drought conditions, with July poised to be the driest month on record due to relentless heatwaves exacerbated by the climate crisis. This extreme weather has fueled wildfires, depleted water resources for farmers, and caused rivers and lakes to shrink, with the Thames at Reading recording its lowest-ever level.
While water companies do not anticipate a threat to drinking water supplies due to sufficient winter rainfall filling reservoirs, approximately 23 million people across England and Wales are subject to hosepipe bans. The visible impact includes widespread browning of grasslands, and projections indicate UK summers will become significantly hotter and drier by 2070.
Climate scientists emphasize the urgent need for both adaptation and mitigation strategies, noting that climate change is a present challenge. The "whiplash" effect of alternating wet and dry weather patterns, intensified by climate change, creates ideal conditions for vegetation fires. Firefighters have responded to a record 393 wildfires in July, placing immense pressure on resources and leading to evacuations.
Farmers are facing significant challenges, with many forced to harvest early or concerned about crop loss. Businesses like Riverford Organic Farmers report critically low water levels in their reservoirs, necessitating early harvesting and extensive irrigation efforts. The high temperatures also lead to rapid water evaporation.
The dry spell has also led to the rediscovery of historical sites, including neolithic, bronze, and iron age structures, as well as Roman-era buildings and 17th-century garden outlines. Despite the parched conditions, people continue to enjoy London's parks, with local groups assisting in watering trees and plants.