Key facts
- Half of England has been officially declared to be in drought.
- The drought is attributed to a combination of very low rainfall and high temperatures.
- Seven specific regions across central, eastern, and southern England are affected.
- Impacts include low river flows, early harvests, increased wildfire risk, and water use restrictions.
- This is the third drought declared in England in the past five years.
Half of England has been officially declared to be in drought conditions due to a prolonged period of hot and dry weather, the Environment Agency announced. This "flash drought" has developed rapidly, characterized by unusually low rainfall and high temperatures, leading to significant impacts on water supplies, the environment, and agriculture.
The seven regions now experiencing drought are East Anglia, Hertfordshire and London, Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex. These areas are facing low river flows, farmers are harvesting crops early, and the risk of wildfires is increasing. Millions of people are already subject to restrictions on water use, including hosepipe bans.
Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chair of the National Drought Group, stated that water is being used faster than nature can replenish it. She described the situation as "exceptionally serious" with potential long-lasting impacts on the environment, wildlife, and the economy. Water companies have been instructed to prioritize fixing leaks and to ensure supplies are maintained.
This declaration marks the third drought in England in the past five years, following events in 2022, 2025, and now 2026. July was the driest on record for England, with only 7% of expected rainfall, and just 1% in southern England. This follows a wet winter that initially helped replenish water sources, but the subsequent heatwaves have depleted reserves. The UK's June temperature record was also updated to 38.0C, and a fourth heatwave is currently underway, prompting health alerts in several regions.