Overview
- The Environment Agency announced on Wednesday that over 50% of England is now formally in drought while about one-third of the country faces prolonged dry conditions.
- July rainfall collapsed to roughly 7% of normal nationally and fell as low as 1% in parts of southern England, creating a fast-moving 'flash drought' across central, eastern and southern regions.
- Authorities report falling river levels, earlier-than-usual harvests for farmers, rising wildfire risk and millions of people already subject to water-use restrictions.
- The national drought group has urged water companies to speed up repairs to leaking pipes and to take emergency measures to protect supplies, a call echoed by Secretary of State for Water Emma Hardy.
- Officials warn this is a second consecutive summer drought after repeated heatwaves including the hottest June on record and say the event could have lasting harms for wildlife, the environment and the economy.