The Environment Agency has issued an update on the UK's drought status, warning that parts of southern, central, and eastern England are moving closer to drought after the country experienced its third heatwave of the year.
Prolonged dry weather and extreme heat have dried out ponds and wetlands, caused some rivers to dry up in places, and affected water supplies and food production, the National Drought Group heard yesterday.
Wildfires and Dry Conditions
Wildfires have ripped through several areas, including moorlands near Dovestone Reservoir, Saddleworth, and at Tintwistle, both sending plumes of smoke across Greater Manchester.
Rob Gazzard, Wildfire Adviser at the Forestry Commission, said: "Wildfires do not start themselves; they are started by people, often accidentally, and they can quickly get out of control in dry conditions. Our soils and vegetation have lost so much moisture in this heat that any natural resistance to a fire has significantly reduced. Not only does it make vegetation more likely to burn, but it increases the intensity of fires once they start. This means fires take hold and spread quickly and are difficult to suppress."
He added: "The recent fires have had a devastating impact on some areas, particularly on new trees and the wildlife that shelter there."
Water Restrictions and Demand
A lack of July rainfall, combined with heat, is putting pressure on public water supplies, with demand soaring up to 30% on the hottest days, the Environment Agency says. Several water companies have announced restrictions for 23 million customers to protect the environment and reduce strain on treatment works and storage during peak demand.
As of Monday (July 20), eight areas across England were in prolonged dry weather, the stage before drought: East Anglia, West Midlands, Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire & London, Wessex, Thames, Solent & the South Downs.
National Drought Group Meeting
The National Drought Group, including the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, farmers, Canal & River Trust, anglers and conservation experts, met on Monday following the recent heatwave, which saw 12 consecutive days of temperatures above 30C.
Helen Wakeham, Chair of the National Drought Group and Director of Water at the Environment Agency, said: "Dry weather depletes our water, while the hot conditions mean we use more of it. This is a difficult combination, and we are seeing the effects on our farmers, our wildlife, and the amount available for public and business use. All sectors are taking action, and we are grateful to the public for following the restrictions, where in place, to make sure there is enough water for everyone this summer. 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."
England has received only 3% of its long-term average July rainfall, with the south and east receiving nothing at all so far, marking the longest spell without rain since the mid-1990s.
Impact on Rivers and Reservoirs
Only 13% of UK rivers are at normal levels for this time of year, the Environment Agency revealed. The majority are lower than normal, including the Rivers Avon (Hampshire), Cam, Derwent (Yorkshire), Swale, Tone, Wye and Yare, which are exceptionally low.
National reservoir storage is 78.8%, around 5% lower than the long-term average. Six reservoirs are notably low, including Wimbleball, Grafham, Hanningfield and the Lower Thames group; Blagdon is exceptionally low.
Oliver Harmar, Chief Strategy Officer at Natural England, said: "As well as serious impacts for people, our wonderful wildlife is suffering as the effects of climate change take hold, with the increased likelihood of drought and wildfires. These impacts are felt long after the weather cools down, as we see reduced populations of wetland birds and amphibians. Habitat restoration, including more wetlands, bogs and ponds, will help us make nature more resilient to the impacts of these weather extremes."
Weather Outlook
In north west England, July rainfall totals to date are 9%, while in east and south-east England it is 0%. Dry weather is expected to continue for most parts of England through the rest of July, though temperatures are likely to cool.
Will Lang, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "Much of England has experienced a notably warm and dry first half of summer, with July particularly dry and some locations recording little or no rainfall so far this month. The UK has already seen three heatwaves in 2026 and, while some rain is possible at times, the overall outlook remains for largely settled conditions. There are some signs of more changeable weather at times into early August, which may bring rain to some areas. However, confidence in the detail remains low, and any rainfall, particularly across southern parts of the UK, is unlikely to be widespread or substantial. Many areas are likely to continue experiencing prevailing dry conditions over the coming weeks, especially across southern England. It therefore remains uncertain how much meaningful rainfall will reach those areas that have been driest in recent weeks."
The Met Office will continue to work with partners across the water sector, providing forecasts and guidance to support drought planning and response activities.
