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Just over half of England has been declared in drought, the United Kingdom government said Wednesday, citing record-low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures.
The declaration follows what is set to be the driest July on record, with just 7% of expected rainfall nationwide and some parts of southern England seeing just 1%, according to the government's Environment Agency. The U.K. is also currently experiencing its fourth widespread heat wave of 2026.
Describing it as a flash drought, which develops quickly and is driven by very low rainfall and high temperatures, the Environment Agency noted that this is the second consecutive summer parts of England are experiencing drought conditions.
"Rivers are running low, farmers are having to harvest crops early, wildfire risk is increasing, and millions of people are living under restrictions on water use," the agency said as it made the announcement.
The seven areas declared in drought, which include London, East Anglia, all of southwest England, and the West Midlands, comprise 51.4% of the nation.
Representatives from the National Drought Group, which includes meteorological and government officials, ministers, regulators, water companies, and farmers, convened Tuesday to discuss the situation, the Environment Agency noted.
They reviewed impacts, preparedness plans, and drought response actions across England, with the nation's private water companies being instructed to prioritize fixing leaks, it added.
"The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it," Helen Wakeham, director of water and chair of the group, said in a statement.
"A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife, and the economy."
Separately on Wednesday, the Met Office announced it had finalized readings from June, confirming that both England and the U.K. saw a record daily temperature for the month of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
That was higher than the 37.7°C figure previously reported.
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