- England is experiencing severe dry weather and heatwaves, with southern and eastern regions facing the longest spell without rain in 30 years, leading to soaring water use and dried-up land and rivers.
- Prolonged dry weather, the stage before drought, has been declared across numerous areas in East Anglia, the Midlands, and southern England.
- Farmers are concerned that the current conditions could lead to food shortages later in the year, with harvests starting early and cereal yields being negatively impacted by the lack of rain.
- The extreme weather is severely affecting the environment, causing wildfires at Sites of Special Scientific Interest and harming aquatic wildlife due to lower water levels.
- Water companies, including Thames Water, are implementing hosepipe bans, while the Met Office forecasts only limited and non-widespread rain for the coming weeks, particularly in southern England.
IN FULL
