The Environment Agency (EA) has declared that seven areas of central, eastern and southern England are officially in drought, affecting more than half of the country. The announcement follows a sustained period of high temperatures and low rainfall, with July potentially becoming the driest on record.
England has received only 7% of its expected rainfall in July, and southern England just 1%. The rapid onset of drought conditions, despite a wet winter, has been driven by dry spring and summer weather and a series of heatwaves that have strained water resources.
Fourth heatwave and record temperatures
The drought declaration comes as parts of the UK experience their fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures reaching into the 30s Celsius. Record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, and a third earlier this month, have hit agriculture, rivers and wildlife, sparked widespread wildfires and led to hosepipe bans for millions.
The Met Office confirmed a new June temperature record of 38°C at Lingwood in Norfolk, up from the provisional 37.7°C. The UK and England record, set on June 26, came from the same station.
Areas affected and drought status
Almost a third of England – including parts of the South East, Midlands and North West – is in “prolonged dry weather” status. Only the North East and Yorkshire are experiencing normal conditions for this time of year.
The full list of areas where drought has been declared:
- East Anglia
- Hertfordshire
- London
- Thames Valley
- Hampshire
- Isle of Wight
- Devon and Cornwall
- West Midlands
- Wessex (Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire)
Second consecutive summer drought
This is the second year in a row with parts of the country suffering from drought, despite winter rainfall replenishing reservoirs and groundwater. There have been three droughts in the past five years, in 2022, 2025 and 2026.
Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chairwoman 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.”
Government response and future outlook
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.”
The UK is increasingly experiencing extreme weather such as droughts and severe heatwaves, fuelled by human-caused climate change, mostly from burning fossil fuels. Temperatures are expected to fall later this week, with some rain also forecast.
