Key facts
- Half of England is officially in drought.
- Prolonged hot and dry weather has depleted water supplies.
- This is the third drought in England in five years.
- July was the driest on record.
- Low river flows have been observed.
- Crops are being harvested early.
- Wildfire risk has increased.
Half of England has been officially declared to be in drought conditions following an extended period of hot and dry weather. This declaration signifies that water supplies have been significantly depleted, impacting various aspects of the environment and agriculture. The current drought is the third to affect the region in the last five years, underscoring a concerning pattern of water scarcity. July of the current year has been recorded as the driest on record, exacerbating the existing water shortages. The consequences of these dry conditions are already apparent, with low river flows observed across the country. Farmers have begun harvesting crops earlier than usual due to the arid conditions affecting crop development. Furthermore, the risk of wildfires has increased substantially, posing a threat to natural landscapes and communities.