Drought Declared Across Half of England in 'Exceptionally Serious Situation'

The Environment Agency has declared a drought across half of England as dry conditions continue, with areas including Devon and Cornwall, East Anglia, Hertfordshire, London, and the West Midlands now in official drought status. The drought has been brought on by a combination of low rainfall and high temperatures.

Areas Affected and Stages

Greater Manchester, along with Cumbria and Cheshire, remains in 'prolonged dry weather', the stage before a drought. Only Yorkshire and the North East are currently in normal status.

The Environment Agency has warned that 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.

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Official Statements

Helen Wakeham, Director of Water at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, said: "The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it."

"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. We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture."

The Met Office has said that the 'exceptionally dry conditions' continue to have a 'significant impact' on England, with a persistent period of little to no rainfall. Although August may see some 'unsettled spells', the UK weather agency has warned that we are unlikely to see the amount of rain needed to make a 'significant difference' to the affected areas.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Will Lang said: "The warm and exceptionally dry conditions experienced across much of England over recent months are continuing to have a significant impact. Many areas have received very little or no rainfall throughout July, extending a period of below-average rainfall that has persisted across parts of the country since spring."

"While there are indications of occasional unsettled spells during the first part of August, bringing the chance of rain to some locations, there is currently little sign of the widespread, sustained rainfall that would be needed to make a significant difference to the areas most affected by the dry weather."

Mr Lang continued: "The Met Office continues to work closely with the Environment Agency and partners across the water sector, providing expert meteorological information and forecasts to support drought monitoring, planning and response activities."

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: "Our climate is changing, droughts are becoming increasingly common, and we need to be prepared for this new normal. We’re delivering long-term change in the water industry and driving record investments in infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs."

"We expect water companies to follow their drought plans, to go further and faster to reduce leaks, and to ensure supplies are not disrupted even in the driest of weather."