Thousands of homes and businesses have been left with no water or low pressure after pipes burst in London and Essex as a fifth heatwave looms.
Thames Water said 14 postcodes were involved and the BBC estimated that 10,000 homes were affected.
All of England has been issued with a rare amber heat warning, with the risk of temperatures reaching 38C this week.
The Met Office says this summer is set to be the UK’s hottest since records began.
Only average conditions are needed for the remainder of August for the month to surpass the record which was set only last year.
July was the busiest month on record for wildfires, statistics show, after firefighters attended 458 cases last month.
In the first 10 days of August, crews have been called out to 185 wildfires, including a large blaze in the New Forest which has burned for three days.
Met Office experts warned of a risk of travel delays, adverse health effects and potential power cuts. The warning covers large parts of England from 9am to midnight on Thursday.
Some 45 million people have been plunged into drought conditions as dry and hot weather continues. The National Drought Group has declared 71.3 per cent of England is now suffering a “flash” drought.
Read MoreMapped: Where drought has been declared in the UK as another heatwave looms
Shoppers warned of supermarket price rises ‘within months’ due to extreme heat
Jeremy Clarkson shares worrying Diddly Squat update after UK heatwave
Mapped: UK to be hotter then Barcelona as fifth heatwave will bring 36C temperatures
Key Points
- Summer 2026 on course to be UK's hottest on record, says Met Office
- July busiest month on record for wildfires
- All of England under amber heat health alert
- ‘Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so’
- Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought
- Water mains bursts leaves taps dry in homes
Climate crisis demands fundamental rethink of farming, says farming group
18:30 , Holly EvansThe UK needs a fundamental rethink of how farmland is managed if it is to cope with increasingly severe floods, droughts and heatwaves driven by continued fossil fuel use, the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) says.
After another year of record-breaking heatwaves and droughts, the farmer-led organisation warns that short-term responses to individual weather events are no longer enough. Instead, farming policy and corporate investment must focus on long-term resilience.
The NFFN says farmers need to recognise water as their most valuable resource, prioritising healthy soils that can absorb and retain rainfall, alongside creating more on-farm ponds and reservoirs to store water for prolonged dry periods.
The organisation is calling on the Government and the private sector to provide greater financial support for water infrastructure and simplify the planning process for work with clear environmental outcomes.
Water mains bursts leaves taps dry in homes
17:38 , Jane DaltonWater stations opened in Ilford, east London, and Chigwell, Essex, after burst water mains left thousands of homes and businesses with no water or low water pressure.
The affected areas are: E10, E11, E17, E18, E4, IG10, IG2, IG4, IG5, IG6, IG7, IG8, IG9 and RM4.
Thames Water said: “Our teams continue to work in the extreme heat to fix the multiple broken pipes in the area. We’re sorry to those who are still affected.
“Whilst progress is being made, it’s taking longer than normal to fix the broken pipes as often excavations are needing to be extended.”
Large fire breaks out in Exeter park, sending smoke across city
17:35 , Jane Dalton
Large fire breaks out in Exeter park sending smoke across city
Rail services suspended in heatwave
17:30 , Jane DaltonA railway company is suspending regional services because of the heatwave.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) said services between Sheffield and Liverpool would be suspended on Wednesday and Thursday.
It also said that regional services between Nottingham and Worksop and Nottingham and Leicester would be suspended from noon on Thursday.
Philippa Cresswell of EMR, said: “The hot weather means we’ll need to make some temporary changes to our services to keep the railway operating safely.
“If you do need to travel and the journey is essential, we’d recommend travelling before midday and checking your journey before setting off.
“We appreciate these changes may inconvenience some customers and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we work to keep people moving safely.”
All of England under amber heat health alert
16:59 , Jane DaltonThe whole of England is under an amber heat health alert.
The system, run by the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office, is intended to provide early warnings to the health and social care sector, responders, the voluntary and community sector and government departments when adverse temperatures are likely to affect people’s health and wellbeing.
The alerts run until 9pm on Friday.
Met Office graphic reveals changes caused by heatwaves
16:30 , Holly EvansA graphic shared by the Met Office has revealed the dramatic change to the UK’s landscape caused by the limited rainfall and exceptional heat.
The impact of summer 2026 can perhaps best be seen from space
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 11, 2026
Exceptional heat combined with limited rainfall has truly transformed the landscape across the UK pic.twitter.com/4WC22Aemxe
UK farming not prepared for threat of new diseases amid changing weather
16:10 , Holly Evans
UK farming could be ravaged by new diseases in climate crisis
Lost village is uncovered as drought lowers reservoir water levels
15:45 , Holly EvansThe remains of a lost village that was demolished and flooded to create a reservoir have been revealed as the country continues to face drought conditions.
Low water levels at Rutland Water reservoir in the East Midlands have uncovered the remains of the buildings which were once part of the village of Nether Hambleton.
Residents in the hamlet, along with other small villages including Middle Hambleton, were relocated to other areas before the buildings were demolished and the area flooded in the 1970s to create the reservoir.
The creation of the reservoir, which involved damming the Gwash valley near Empingham, was finished in 1976 and flooding took a further three years, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust said.
More than 3,000 acres of land were submerged to create one of the largest man-made bodies of water in western Europe, covering more than four square miles, with cottages, farms and farmhouses destroyed to make way for it.
At its maximum, the reservoir is 34 metres deep, but as England continues to face extremely dry conditions, the stonework that was left behind after the demolition of Nether Hambleton has been uncovered by falling water levels.
Summer 2026 on course to be UK's hottest on record, says Met Office
15:21 , Holly EvansThe UK is on course to record its warmest summer on record, with only average conditions needed for the remainder of August to surpass the record set only last year.
Provisional Met Office statistics show that the UK's mean temperature for meteorological summer so far (1 June to 10 August) currently stands at 16.48°C, which is 1.88°C above the 1991-2020 average.
To equal the current UK summer mean temperature record of 16.12°C set in 2025, the remainder of August would only need to average 0.21°C below the 1991-2020 long-term average.
Any warmer than this would establish a new UK record, with records starting in 1884.
Met Office senior scientist Mike Kendon said: "Another record-breaking summer now looks increasingly likely for the UK, following the second-warmest June, and second-warmest July on record and yet another heatwave imminent.
“We’ve seen temperatures hit 38°C in June, 35°C in early and late July, and this threshold is looking to be reached again in the next few days.
“It’s worth remembering we also reached 35°C in late May and easily exceeded both the May and June previous all-time temperature records this year. These statistics are a clear reminder – if one were needed – of the stark changes that we are seeing in the UK’s climate.”
In pictures: Parks and fields turn brown due to drought
15:03 , Holly Evans
How to stay safe in the heat?
14:40 , Holly EvansThe Met Office has warned that the expected high temperatures will cause a likely increased demand on health and social services.
Elderly people are likely to be particularly vulnerable, with people warned to avoid the sun during the peak of day.
William Spencer, climate and first aid expert at the British Red Cross, said: “While periods of hot weather have become more familiar in recent years, they can still pose serious risks to health. In fact, after prolonged dry and warm conditions, it is more important than ever to follow heat safety advice.
“Simple steps such as wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day and taking regular breaks from the sun can help protect you and those around you.
“It’s also important to look out for the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly among people who may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat.”
July busiest month on record for wildfires
14:05 , Holly EvansJuly was the busiest month on record for wildfires, statistics have revealed as people living close to a blaze in the New Forest were told to limit their use of water amid fears there could be disruptions to supply.
The National Fire Chiefs Council said on Tuesday its services had responded to 966 wildfires this year, just shy of the 1,017 they attended during a record-breaking year in 2025.
In July alone, firefighters attended 458 wildfires, whilst in the first 10 days of August crews have been called out to 185 wildfires.
Phil Garrigan, chairman of the council, said: “The combination of drought conditions and another heatwave means the risk of fires remains high, and these incidents can place huge demands on firefighters and specialist resources.
“Many wildfires are preventable so we’re asking people to be vigilant and take extra care outdoors while these conditions continue.”
Mr Garrigan’s warning comes as people living close to a blaze, that at one point covered an area equivalent to 140 football pitches, were told to reduce their use of water to ensure there are not disruptions to supply.
Bournemouth Water, which supplies Ringwood and the New Forest, has asked residents to reduce water usage.
In pictures: Blaze in the New Forest destroys heathland
13:57 , Holly Evans
Heatwaves set to drive prices higher, food producers warn
13:34 , Holly EvansSoaring temperatures and droughts across the UK and Europe are set to drive prices higher, food and drink producers have warned.
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said “fruit, vegetable and grain supply” are being hit by recent heatwaves, with these crop shortages then set to feed into supermarket prices.
Economists from the trade group suggested that this will put upward pressure on food inflation going into 2027.
It is understood that the supply of a number of UK-grown fruit and vegetables has already come under pressure, such as broccoli and cherries.
Meanwhile, poor grain harvests are driving the cost of animal feed higher, with predictions that this could lead to more expensive meat as farmers are forced to reduce herd sizes.
It comes ahead of a fresh heatwave in the UK, with the Met Office warning that temperatures will soar to the mid-30s in some areas on Thursday.
Invest in climate defence rather than heed Trump on military spend – Polanski
12:45 , Joe MiddletonThe UK should be investing money in defending the country against the climate crisis rather than listening to Donald Trump on security spending, Zack Polanski has said.
The Green Party leader on Saturday reiterated his view that the climate crisis is “the biggest threat to our national security since the Second World War”.
Appearing at Iain Dale All Talk at the Edinburgh Fringe, he was asked by an audience member whether he and his party agree with increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP when there are “so many competing environmental needs.”
Mr Polanski said that if defence spending includes money for climate adaptation such as dealing with floods and wildfires then we “clearly need to up our spending”.
He suggested that was more important than listening to US President Donald Trump, who has called for Nato allies to shoulder more of the burden of European defence.
Mr Polanski said: “If we’re talking about spending 3.5 per cent of our GDP on military spending to please Donald Trump, then I think there’s an absolute incoherency in that.
“We’re already, I think, one of the fifth biggest spenders on military capacity, and actually, I think we need to look at defence as a much more holistic issue.
“I said this week, and I really believe, that the climate crisis is the biggest threat to our national security since the Second World War.
“It’s not some distant threat – it’s right here, right now. We’ve had wildfires not far away from here, where we’re talking in Edinburgh, and we know that what’s happening right now is not the new normal.
“This is the beginning of what will be the least extreme temperatures and least extreme weather in our lifetimes.
“It is going to get worse and worse and worse. And in many ways, it’s a grim message.
“We can’t stop some of that breakdown, what we can do, though, and it’s important that people hear this, is we can stop total breakdown, and that feels beyond important to do, and that’s where we should be investing right now, not on listening to what Donald Trump says or creating arbitrary numbers of GDP.”
Historic gardens, parks and cemeteries under threat from climate change
12:30 , Joe MiddletonThe UK’s treasured historic green spaces are under increasing threat from climate extremes, a report warns.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England warn that historic parks, gardens and cemeteries across the country are vulnerable to damage from harsher, more widespread drought, intense rainfall, more severe storms and pests which can thrive in warmer conditions.
These impacts, driven by climate change – which is mostly caused by burning fossil fuels for power plants, cars, heating and industry – are affecting all aspects of these heritage landscapes, from trees and plant collections to paths, terraces and lakes.
The report says historic parks and gardens, including Chiswick House and Gardens, Kew and the Royal Parks, in London, and Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, employ more than 32,000 people and contribute £2.9 billion to the UK economy each year from international visitors alone.
But they are already being hit by increasingly extreme weather caused by climate change, with paths and drainage systems not fit for current conditions, trees lost to drought and high winds, and potential loss of entire groups of plants to diseases affecting box, ash, sweet chestnut and oak.
Pictured: Dry fields surrounding Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat farm
12:20 , Joe Middleton
BREAKING: Huge fire breaks out next to M25 as section of motorway shut
12:10 , Joe MiddletonA large fire has broken out next to the M25, forcing a section of the motorway to close as firefighters tackle the blaze.
Emergency services are at the scene in St Albans after the fire started at an industrial estate in Ventura Park.
Pictures on social media and released by National Highways show thick dark smoke rising above the carriageways, with road closures in place.
Huge fire breaks out next to M25 as section of motorway shut
Watch: Britain’s pothole problem could get even worse
12:00 , Joe MiddletonPeople urged to check in on elderly neighbours and relatives
11:48 , Holly EvansThere are warnings older people are more at risk from the extreme heat, with Caroline Abrahams, Age UK’s charity director, saying that as people age, their bodies find it harder to adapt to extremes of heat and cold.
“Even younger and otherwise healthy people can feel the effects of very hot weather, but with temperatures forecast to reach up to 36°C in some areas, the risks can be much greater for older people,” she said.
She said most homes in the UK were not designed to cope with extreme heat, so it was important to keep them as cool as possible, keeping curtains and windows closed during the hottest part of the day and opening windows overnight when temperatures fall.
She urged people to check in on older neighbours, friends and relatives to see if they need support such as picking up the shopping or lending them a fan.
She said: “The increasing frequency of heatwaves, alongside droughts, wildfires and hosepipe bans, shows how important it is that we do more to protect those most at risk as climate change continues to bring more extreme weather.”
High temperatures could cause 'adverse health effects'
11:19 , Holly EvansThursday’s high temperatures could have a negative impact on Brits, the Met Office have warned, with people urged to avoid the sun at the hottest part of the day.
“Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat,” a spokesperson for the forecaster said.
“The wider population is likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat-related illnesses
“Some changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required.
“Some heat sensitive systems and equipment may fail, with the potential for some power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses.
“More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents.
“Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays.”
Breaking: Amber warning for extreme heat issued
10:59 , Holly EvansThe Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning for large parts of England on Thursday.
The warning will be in place from 9am to midnight with warnings that temperatures could reach as high as 38C.
It covers London, most of the Midlands, including Leicester and Birmingham, and parts of the South East, Yorkshire & the Humber and the East of England.
Met Office warn of 'widespread heatwave'
10:21 , Holly EvansThe Met Office has warned that there will be little let-up on the heat this week, with a heatwave predicted in the coming days.
Temperatures could reach as high as 36C on Thursday, as amber heat health alerts are issued for large swathes of England and Wales.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly said: “Heat will gradually build this week, with temperatures reaching into the mid-30s Celsius in what will be a fairly widespread heatwave for England and Wales.
“The driver for this week’s heat is high pressure, this becoming dominant over the next day or so, bringing plenty of sunshine and allowing temperatures to build day-by-day.
“Southerly or southeasterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe, meaning we’re looking at further notable heat for many this week, likely peaking on Thursday.”
New Forest fire likely to continue for 'some time to come'
10:00 , Holly EvansA deputy chief fire officer said firefighters are likely to be battling the New Forest fire “for some time to come”.
Shantha Dickinson, of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said it had been a “very challenging few months so far for wildfires”, adding that tackling them was “incredibly resource-intensive”.
Discussing the New Forest fire, Ms Dickinson told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Our firefighters and all of our emergency responders have been working in incredibly difficult conditions actually for the last 36 hours since the event started on Sunday evening due to a van fire.
“And we’re likely to be there for some time to come.”
She added: “We’re battling hard to get it under control.
“It currently covers an area of about a kilometre square. So just to put that into perspective, that’s about 140 football fields, so rolling heathland of beautiful countryside.”
When will the heat ease?
09:39 , Holly EvansWith a fifth heatwave fast approaching, many are questioning how much longer will the high temperatures last.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster David Oliver said: “While Thursday will be the peak of the heat this week, some warmth will remain in the south and southeast on Friday, before easing more widely on Saturday as cooler air spreads south from the northwest.”
The forecaster added that high pressure is likely to retain some influence over the weather in the south of the UK later in the weekend but may begin to weaken into the start of next week.
Details are uncertain, but this may allow showers or some longer spells of rain to spread across parts of the UK for a time.
Mapped: Where drought has been declared in the UK
09:14 , Holly EvansAlmost three-quarters of England is now suffering from drought as weather conditions continue to worsen into August, piling pressure onto vital industries.
Officials from the National Drought Group assessed on Monday that 71.3 per cent of the country is now in drought, with the addition of the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs bringing the number of people affected up to 45 million nationwide.
The North East and Yorkshire have moved to prolonged dry weather – the stage before drought – with nowhere now deemed in normal status, and 27 million people are currently living under restrictions on water use, they said.
Read the full article here:
Mapped: Where drought has been declared in the UK as another heatwave looms
Breaking: Heat health alerts come into force
09:00 , Holly EvansAs of 9am, heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are in place across England until Friday evening.
Amber heat health alerts have been issued for most of England including the Midlands, South East, North West and South West, while a yellow alert will be in force for the North East.
What is the five-day weather forecast?
08:38 , Holly EvansHere’s a look at the five day weather forecast:
Today:
A dry and sunny day for most with light winds. Cloudier in northwest Scotland and western parts of Northern Ireland with some outbreaks of light rain. Very warm in the sunshine.
Tonight:
Outbreaks of rain will continue in the far northwest, but a drier night elsewhere with clear skies. Staying mild perhaps with a few mist patches.
Wednesday:
Cloudy in western Scotland and western parts of Northern Ireland with showers, turning heavy at times. A dry and sunny day elsewhere with hot sunshine.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Turning hotter through the next few days with extreme heat possible in parts of England and Wales, particularly on Thursday. Largely dry and sunny, but showers possible in the northwest.
Historic gardens, parks and cemeteries under threat from climate change
08:17 , Holly EvansThe UK’s treasured historic green spaces are under increasing threat from climate extremes, a report warns.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England warn that historic parks, gardens and cemeteries across the country are vulnerable to damage from harsher, more widespread drought, intense rainfall, more severe storms and pests which can thrive in warmer conditions.
These impacts, driven by climate change – which is mostly caused by burning fossil fuels for power plants, cars, heating and industry – are affecting all aspects of these heritage landscapes, from trees and plant collections to paths, terraces and lakes.
The report says historic parks and gardens, including Chiswick House and Gardens, Kew and the Royal Parks, in London, and Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, employ more than 32,000 people and contribute £2.9 billion to the UK economy each year from international visitors alone.
But they are already being hit by increasingly extreme weather caused by climate change, with paths and drainage systems not fit for current conditions, trees lost to drought and high winds, and potential loss of entire groups of plants to diseases affecting box, ash, sweet chestnut and oak.
Firefighters work ‘tirelessly’ to contain New Forest fire
08:01 , Holly EvansFirefighters are beginning a third day of tackling a fire in the New Forest which they say they are “managing to contain” after working “tirelessly” through the night.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, assisted by neighbouring services, initially scrambled 26 fire engines and four water carriers to the eastbound A31 after receiving 160 emergency calls reporting a van had caught fire on Sunday evening.
The fire service said the blaze spread from the vehicle to the central reservation before progressing into nearby heathland in a south-easterly direction towards Backley Bottom, and is in a “challenging rural location”.
An update released on Tuesday by the fire service said that a change in wind direction had “provided a challenge” overnight but it was managing to prevent “spread and escalation” with the help of a police drone to prioritise hotspots and flare-ups.
A total of seven fire engines with water carriers and off-road vehicles were involved in the operation overnight which continued to use water being pumped through miles of pipes laid from a nearby lake as part of a high volume pump (HVP) system.
And the A31 – the main route through the New Forest – remains closed, with National Highways saying that repairs needed to “significant” damage to the road surface, safety barriers and boundary fencing can only start once the fire is safely under control.
Amber heat health alerts come into force across England and Wales
07:40 , Holly EvansHeat health alerts are to come into force as the UK braces for the fifth heatwave of the year, with almost three-quarters of England in drought.
On Tuesday, highs of 29C in Cardiff, 28C in Manchester and 25C in London are forecast before temperatures soar to the mid-30s in some areas on Thursday, according to the Met Office.
From 9am on Tuesday, heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are in place across England until Friday evening.
Officials have urged people to take simple steps to stay safe, such as drinking plenty of water, checking on vulnerable friends and family, and avoiding the sun at the hottest part of the day.
Amber heat health alerts have been issued for most of England including the Midlands, South East, North West and South West, while a yellow alert will be in force for the North East.
Shoppers warned of supermarket price rises ‘within months’ due to extreme heat
07:00 , Dan Haygarth
Shoppers warned of supermarket price rises ‘within months’ due to extreme heat
Faded, dry grass a common sight across England
06:30 , Dan Haygarth
Historic gardens, parks and cemeteries under threat from climate change – report
05:30 , Dan HaygarthThe UK’s treasured historic green spaces are under increasing threat from climate extremes, a report warns.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England warn that historic parks, gardens and cemeteries across the country are vulnerable to damage from harsher, more widespread drought, intense rainfall, more severe storms and pests which can thrive in warmer conditions.
These impacts, driven by climate change – which is mostly caused by burning fossil fuels for power plants, cars, heating and industry – are affecting all aspects of these heritage landscapes, from trees and plant collections to paths, terraces and lakes.
The report says historic parks and gardens, including Chiswick House and Gardens, Kew and the Royal Parks, in London, and Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, employ more than 32,000 people and contribute £2.9 billion to the UK economy each year from international visitors alone.
But they are already being hit by increasingly extreme weather caused by climate change, with paths and drainage systems not fit for current conditions, trees lost to drought and high winds, and potential loss of entire groups of plants to diseases affecting box, ash, sweet chestnut and oak.
Invest in climate defence rather than heed Trump on military spend – Polanski
04:30 , Dan HaygarthThe UK should be investing money in defending the country against the climate crisis rather than listening to Donald Trump on security spending, Zack Polanski has said.
The Green Party leader on Saturday reiterated his view that the climate crisis is “the biggest threat to our national security since the Second World War”.
Appearing at Iain Dale All Talk at the Edinburgh Fringe, he was asked by an audience member whether he and his party agree with increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP when there are “so many competing environmental needs.”
Mr Polanski said that if defence spending includes money for climate adaptation such as dealing with floods and wildfires then we “clearly need to up our spending”.
He suggested that was more important than listening to US President Donald Trump, who has called for Nato allies to shoulder more of the burden of European defence.
Mr Polanski said: “If we’re talking about spending 3.5 per cent of our GDP on military spending to please Donald Trump, then I think there’s an absolute incoherency in that.
“We’re already, I think, one of the fifth biggest spenders on military capacity, and actually, I think we need to look at defence as a much more holistic issue.
“I said this week, and I really believe, that the climate crisis is the biggest threat to our national security since the Second World War.
“It’s not some distant threat – it’s right here, right now. We’ve had wildfires not far away from here, where we’re talking in Edinburgh, and we know that what’s happening right now is not the new normal.
“This is the beginning of what will be the least extreme temperatures and least extreme weather in our lifetimes.
“It is going to get worse and worse and worse. And in many ways, it’s a grim message.
“We can’t stop some of that breakdown, what we can do, though, and it’s important that people hear this, is we can stop total breakdown, and that feels beyond important to do, and that’s where we should be investing right now, not on listening to what Donald Trump says or creating arbitrary numbers of GDP.”
Watch: Shocking scale of New Forest blaze seen in Hampshire fire service drone footage
03:30 , Dan HaygarthRecap: Almost three-quarters of England in drought as conditions worsen in dry August
02:30 , Dan HaygarthAlmost three-quarters of England is in “flash drought” as a dry start to August follows the country’s driest July on record, the Environment Agency (EA) has said.
The East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs have become the latest areas to move into drought.
The announcement came after a meeting of officials, water companies and farming leaders under the National Drought Group, which warned that all regions of the country are experiencing pressure on their water resources, with impacts on agriculture, public water supplies and the environment.
Last week, the EA announced that half of England had plunged into flash drought – one which develops very quickly because of a combination of very low rainfall and high temperatures – and the latest announcement means 71.3 per cent of the country is in drought.
The North East and Yorkshire have moved to “prolonged dry weather” status, the stage before drought, and nowhere in England is in “normal” status, the EA said.
The latest drought warnings came as parts of the UK braced for the fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to climb into the mid 30Cs later in the week, peaking at 36C on Thursday.
In pictures: Majority of England in drought
01:30 , Dan Haygarth
What to expect from Tuesday's weather
Tuesday 11 August 2026 00:30 , Dan HaygarthHere's how Tuesday is shaping up weather-wise
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 10, 2026
☔🌤️🌬️🌡️ pic.twitter.com/cpMpDLvhuW
'Water resilience cannot be treated as a seasonal issue'
Monday 10 August 2026 23:30 , Dan HaygarthFran Barnes, chief executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “With almost three-quarters of England in ‘flash drought’ and all of Wales now officially in drought, numerous water restrictions and Temporary Use Bans (TUBS) across the UK, and data showing that last month was officially the driest July on record, the pressure on our water resources couldn’t be clearer.
“The solution to the UK’s water challenges lies not just in the amount of rainfall, but in how effectively we capture, store, and manage it. Today we reiterated the need for the UK to take action and implement a long-term water resilience strategy that addresses the realities of a changing climate.
“The current conditions are having a huge impact on our 1,400 members – garden retailers, growers, landscapers, designers, suppliers and manufacturers – despite our sector investing heavily in becoming more water efficient. Growers increasingly capture and recycle rainwater, retailers and landscapers promote drought-tolerant planting and more effective watering, including water butts and efficient irrigation systems suitable for gardeners, not just professional growers. We set out these needs again today at the National Drought Group meeting.
“Our climate may be changing, but our message remains clear: water resilience cannot be treated as a seasonal issue.
Where has been affected by the droughts?
Monday 10 August 2026 23:16 , James ReynoldsOfficials from the National Drought Group assessed on Monday that 71.3 per cent of the country is now in drought, with the addition of the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs bringing the number of people affected up to 45 million nationwide.
The North East and Yorkshire have moved to prolonged dry weather – the stage before drought – with nowhere now deemed in normal status, and 27 million people are currently living under restrictions on water use, they said.
In full: Swimming pools and car washes could be banned as drought declared across most of England
Monday 10 August 2026 22:30 , Daniel HaygarthSwimming pools and car washes are among the UK businesses that could be hit by a water ban as providers look to conserve resources amid drought conditions and an upcoming fifth heatwave.
Southern Water has applied to the government for permission to issue a “non-essential use ban” in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. If granted and put into action, the policy would prevent businesses from activities like washing cars with hosepipes and filling private swimming pools.
It comes as almost three-quarters of England and all of Wales have been plunged into drought.
Read more:
Swimming pools and car washes could be put under water ban
Full story: New Forest may take decades to recover from ‘devastating’ fire as 120 firefighters work into the night battling blaze
Monday 10 August 2026 21:45 , Dan HaygarthRead below:
New Forest may take decades to recover as 120 firefighters tackle fire
Water minister: 'We know how challenging this summer has been'
Monday 10 August 2026 21:30 , Dan HaygarthWater minister Emma Hardy, who attended the National Drought Group, 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 said the Government was working to make it easier for farmers to build more onsite irrigation reservoirs – something farming leaders have been calling for – and was delivering “long-term change” in the water industry to reduce leaks and deliver nine new reservoirs.
“As we move through this period of drought, I expect water companies to take every available step to minimise leakage and support customers in using water wisely”, she said as she thanked people for abiding by hosepipe bans.
Mapped: Where drought has been declared in the UK as another heatwave looms
Monday 10 August 2026 20:37 , Dan HaygarthAlmost three-quarters of England is now suffering from drought as weather conditions continue to worsen into August, piling pressure onto vital industries.
Officials from the National Drought Group assessed on Monday that 71.3 per cent of the country is now in drought, with the addition of the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs bringing the number of people affected up to 45 million nationwide.
Nowhere in England in 'normal' status
Monday 10 August 2026 20:12 , Dan HaygarthThe North East and Yorkshire have moved to “prolonged dry weather” status, the stage before drought, and nowhere in England is in “normal” status, the Environment Agency said.
The East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs have become the latest areas to move into drought.
