- The Environment Agency has warned that England could face widespread drought conditions by September, with up to five additional regions potentially being declared drought zones.
- Three areas are currently experiencing drought, and three water companies have already implemented hosepipe bans following one of the UK’s driest springs on record.
- Under a "reasonable worst-case scenario," the total number of drought-affected areas could reach eight by the end of summer, potentially impacting millions more people across the Midlands and central southern regions.
- The National Drought Group is set to meet to discuss the escalating situation, as Thames Water becomes the latest utility to announce a hosepipe ban.
- Scientists attribute the recent extreme conditions to human-caused climate change, leading to significant impacts on farmers, the environment, and waterways.
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