Satellite images have revealed the stark reality of the UK's drought, with scorched earth visible from space. Footage from EU satellite cameras shows vast areas of yellow and brown across the country, highlighting the severe dry conditions after weeks of drought.
Southern England hardest hit
While much of the country has been affected, the South has suffered particularly badly. In London, Hyde Park is seen almost entirely scorched, in stark contrast to last year's image which showed large areas of green grass. This year's photo shows patches of grass are few and far between.
Record dryness and water restrictions
Across the summer, record levels of dryness have led to hosepipe bans and government alerts due to the high risk of wildfires. According to the European Drought Observatory (EDO), 25% of England's territory was in Alert conditions and 65% in Warning at the end of July 2026.
In total, 71.3% of England is now thought to be in drought, in what has been the driest summer since records began in 1836. Some 45 million people are impacted by the conditions, with nearly 30 million facing strict water use restrictions.
Low rainfall and reservoir levels
Warm and dry weather has continued across much of England, with many regions receiving less than 1mm of rain. Even the north-west, the wettest part of the country, saw just 6mm. England has received only 6% of its average August rainfall so far, leaving rivers, reservoirs and groundwater supplies under mounting pressure.
Most river monitoring sites are now below normal for the time of year, with 15 classed as exceptionally low. Reservoir storage has plunged to 65.9% – nearly 14% below average – while five reservoirs are exceptionally low. Drought status has been declared across 71% of England, with no part of the country remaining at “normal” status.
Impact on farmers and wildlife
More than 27 million people are facing restrictions on their water use after eight companies introduced hosepipe bans across all or parts of their supply areas. The worsening crisis is also hitting farmers, with reduced crop yields, poor grass growth and concerns over livestock feed supplies for the winter. More than 1,500 restrictions on water abstraction are now in place.
Low river levels have led to growing restrictions on canals and waterways, while the River Nene has been hit after water was used to tackle a wildfire at Holme Fen. Officials have also recorded increasing numbers of algal blooms, fish deaths and incidents of deteriorating water quality, while the continued hot and dry conditions are fuelling the threat of further wildfires.
