Residents of Histon, Cambridgeshire, the UK's driest village this year, are noticing an unexpected impact of the prolonged dry spell: increased coughing and breathing difficulties. The village recorded just 196.4mm of rainfall between January 1 and July 19, less than half the amount for the same period in 2024, with virtually no rain since June 26.
Dust and respiratory issues
Julie, a local hairdresser in her fifties, told The i that the amount of dust in the village has increased as the ground dried out. "All the mud has turned to dust and the lawns to straw. All of us are noticing that we're coughing quite a lot. A lot of people who have got asthma are struggling more," she said.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that drought can increase dust in the environment, potentially affecting people with respiratory conditions. It advises inhaler users to carry them during hot, dry periods, and notes that pollen and poor air quality can affect breathing.
Heat health alerts
From 9am on Tuesday, the UKHSA issued heat health alerts across England, remaining in place until Friday evening. Officials urge people to drink plenty of water, check on vulnerable friends and family, and avoid the sun at the hottest part of the day.
Julie has adapted her gardening, holding "watering parties" where friends help keep her plants alive using water butts. The heat has also hit her business: when temperatures reached 35C, seven clients cancelled hair appointments in a single day. She has avoided cancellation fees as many customers are older.
Village green affected
Another resident, Julie Dunn, 62, said the duck pond on the village green was at its "lowest level" she had ever seen. "It's a very beautiful area, and it's very pretty, but it doesn't look at its best - it's just brown and burnt," she said. She saves grey water from showers and washing up to keep plants alive, and believes gardens will change: "I think we're all going to have to look at different plants and things for our gardens - it's going to change how peoples' gardens look."
Adapting routines
Jo Catterick, 62, said residents are adapting daily routines, likening herself to a "middle aged Greek woman" who closes shutters at 11am and does jobs early, living more in the evening.
Dust devils beyond Histon
The dryness extends beyond Histon. A dust devil was filmed in Greenwich Park, south-east London, on Sunday, picking up dust and hay. Jimmy O'Keeffe, 35, who filmed it, said he was "shocked and in total disbelief" as it disturbed his picnic. Another was spotted near Leeds Castle in Kent. The Environment Agency has warned that prolonged dry weather is pressuring water resources across England, with Cambridgeshire among affected areas.
