Four more areas in England have moved into drought, meaning 71.3% of the country is now affected, as a dry start to August follows the driest July on record. The Environment Agency (EA) confirmed that the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs have joined the drought list.
Drought spreads across England
The announcement followed a meeting of the National Drought Group, which includes officials, water companies, and farming leaders. The group warned that all regions are under pressure on water resources, impacting agriculture, public water supplies, and the environment.
Last week, half of England was in flash drought, a rapid-onset condition caused by very 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 come as parts of the UK brace for the fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to reach 36C on Thursday. This summer has seen record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, which led to over 2,800 deaths, followed by further heatwaves in July.
Amber heat health alerts have been issued for most of England, urging people to stay safe by drinking plenty of water, checking on vulnerable individuals, and avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day.
Impact on people and environment
Some 45 million people live in drought-stricken areas, and 27 million customers face hosepipe bans as rivers and reservoirs run low. Farmers have warned of a 'brutal harvest' and feed shortages for livestock, with potential food price inflation later in the year.
Major wildfires have hit areas including the Pennines, the Cairngorms in Scotland, Llanwonno in South Wales, and Dunwich Heath in Suffolk. On Monday, over 120 firefighters worked to contain a blaze affecting a square kilometre of heathland in the New Forest, Hampshire, closing the A31.
The Environment Agency reported that rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater continue to decline, with only 14% of rivers at normal levels and 22% exceptionally low, including the Avon, Wye, Ely, Ouse, and Exe. Reservoir levels have fallen to 69%, well below normal for this time of year.
Government response and warnings
Downing Street defended the Government's response, focusing on immediate action and long-term resilience, including investment in infrastructure like reservoirs. After the National Drought Group meeting, its chairman Tony Grayling said: "Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall."
Water minister Emma Hardy said: "We know how challenging this summer has been, especially for our hard-working farmers who are at the sharp end of climate change and an increasing number of floods and droughts." She added that the Government is working to make it easier for farmers to build onsite irrigation reservoirs and is delivering nine new reservoirs.
The EA noted this is the third drought in five years, after 2022 and 2025, with mainland Europe also facing heatwaves and low river flows. The latest heatwave is expected to subside over the weekend, bringing fresher air and rain, but forecasters warn it will not make up for the shortfall.
Sarah Davies, head of environment and energy at the Met Office, said: "Forecasts for the remainder of August and into September suggest a good deal of dry weather is expected, mixed with some unsettled spells. While some areas may see useful rainfall at times, there is currently no strong signal for a sustained period of widespread rainfall."
