Swathes of England are suffering from “flash drought” as a result of very low rainfall and high temperatures, the Environment Agency has said.
The government agency said seven areas of central, eastern and southern England – around half of the country – have been declared as officially in drought.
The areas are East Anglia, Hertfordshire and the whole of London, Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex – covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
With a few days left to go, this month could end up as the driest July on record, with England having just 7% of expected rainfall, and southern England seeing just 1%.
As a result, much of the country is experiencing a flash drought – one that has come on quickly despite a very wet winter, as a result of dry weather in the spring and summer and a series of heatwaves that put pressure on resources.
The announcement was made as parts of the UK experience their fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures reaching into the 30s in some places.
There were record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, and a third earlier this month, which have hit agriculture, rivers and the natural environment, prompted widespread wildfires and led to hosepipe bans for millions of people.
The Met Office announced that a new June temperature record of 38C has been confirmed, up from the 37.7C provisionally announced.
The UK and England record, set on June 26, came from the same station – Lingwood in Norfolk – as the provisional reading, the Met Office said.
Almost a third of England – including parts of the South East, Midlands and North West – is in “prolonged dry weather” status, with only the North East and Yorkshire still seeing “normal” conditions for the time of year.
It is the second year in a row with parts of the country suffering from drought, despite winter rainfall replenishing reservoirs and groundwater and helping the country through a dry spring without major impacts, the Environment Agency said.
There have been three droughts in the past five years, in 2022, 2025 and 2026.
Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chairwoman of the National Drought Group, said: “The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.
“A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife and the economy.
“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.”
Water minister Emma Hardy said: “Our climate is changing, droughts are becoming increasingly common, and we need to be prepared for this new normal.
“We’re delivering long-term change in the water industry and driving record investments in infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs.
“We expect water companies to follow their drought plans, to go further and faster to reduce leaks, and to ensure supplies are not disrupted even in the driest of weather.”
Read MoreDrought declared for half of England – find out if your area is affected
Dramatic satellite images show devastating impact of UK’s record-breaking heatwaves
Britain’s biggest water firm announces hosepipe ban for 10m customers
At least two beaver kits born in area of Highlands following repopulation effort
Shocking images show scale of devastation as Assam floods death toll rises to 68
Australia gives four times more support to fossil fuels than renewables, report finds
