Key facts
- England and Wales are set for their driest July on record.
- Half of England has been declared to be in drought.
- Reservoirs are at exceptionally low levels due to prolonged hot and dry weather.
- July is on track to be one of the warmest on record for mean temperatures across the UK.
- Heat-related deaths are estimated to be the highest on record for England.
- Water use restrictions are in place for millions of people.
England and Wales are experiencing their driest July on record, with water reservoirs at exceptionally low levels due to a combination of high temperatures and minimal rainfall. Drought has been officially declared in half of England, affecting seven specific regions including East Anglia, London, and the West Midlands.
Provisional statistics up to July 30 indicate that July is likely to be one of the warmest on record for mean temperatures across much of the UK. Wales is on course for its warmest July, while England is set for its joint warmest. Mean temperatures in southern England have been particularly high, averaging 3.2C above normal.
The prolonged hot and dry conditions have led to rivers running low, farmers harvesting crops early, and an increased risk of wildfires. Millions of people are now subject to restrictions on water use. The UK Health Security Agency estimates that England is on track for the highest number of heat-related deaths since records began, with 2,877 deaths estimated during the May and June heatwaves.
The Environment Agency is intensifying its response, including enhanced monitoring and controlling water abstraction from rivers and groundwaters. Water companies have been instructed to prioritize fixing leaks. This marks the third drought declared in England in the past five years, following events in 2022 and 2025.
July has seen only 7% of expected rainfall across England, dropping to 1% in southern areas, with no substantial rain forecast. This, coupled with multiple heatwaves including 12 consecutive days above 30C, has severely depleted water storage. The situation is exacerbated by higher temperatures increasing evaporation from soils and vegetation.