The Environment Agency (EA) has announced that 71.3% of England is now in drought, following a dry start to August after the country's driest July on record. The East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs have become the latest areas to move into drought status.
Expansion of Drought Areas
The announcement followed a meeting of the National Drought Group, which warned that all regions are experiencing pressure on water resources, impacting agriculture, public water supplies, and the environment. Last week, the EA reported that half of England was in flash drought, a condition that develops rapidly due to low rainfall and high temperatures. Now, the North East and Yorkshire have moved to "prolonged dry weather" status, the stage before drought, and no part of England is in "normal" status.
Heatwave and Health Alerts
The drought warnings coincide with the fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to reach 36C on Thursday. Amber heat health alerts have been issued for most of England, urging people to stay hydrated and check on vulnerable individuals. This summer has seen record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, leading to over 2,800 deaths, and England experienced its driest July since records began in 1836.
Impact on Water Supplies and Agriculture
Some 45 million people are in drought-stricken areas, and 27 million customers are under hosepipe bans as rivers and reservoirs run low. Farmers have warned of a "brutal harvest" and lack of feed for livestock, with potential food price inflation later in the year. Major wildfires have hit areas including the Pennines, the Cairngorms, and the New Forest, where over 120 firefighters were working to contain a blaze.
Government Response and Official Statements
Downing Street defended the government's response, focusing on immediate actions and long-term resilience. Tony Grayling, strategic drought lead at the EA, said: "Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall." Water minister Emma Hardy acknowledged the challenges for farmers and said the government was working to make it easier to build on-site irrigation reservoirs and reduce leaks.
Environmental and Future Outlook
The EA reported that rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater continue to decline, with only 14% of rivers at normal levels and 22% exceptionally low. Reservoir levels have fallen to 69%, well below normal. This is the third drought in five years, and mainland Europe is also struggling. The Met Office's Sarah Davies noted that forecasts suggest below-average rainfall is more likely than above-average for the rest of August and into September.
