More than half of England ‘officially in drought’: U.K. government
The U.K. government has officially declared a drought across more than half of England following record-low rainfall and extreme heat. Authorities are urging water companies to prioritize leak repairs as the nation faces its second consecutive summer of drought conditions.
Why it matters
The recurring drought poses significant risks to the U.K.'s agricultural sector, water security, and overall economic stability.
Just over half of England has been declared in drought after “record-low rain and exceptionally high temperatures”, the U.K. government said on Wednesday (July 29, 2026).
It follows what is set to be the driest July on record, with just 7% of expected rainfall nationwide and some parts of southern England seeing just 1%, according to the government’s Environment Agency.
The U.K. is also currently experiencing its fourth widespread heatwave of 2026.
Describing it as a “flash drought” — which develops quickly and is caused by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures — it was the second consecutive summer parts of England were experiencing drought.
“Rivers are running low, farmers are having to harvest crops early, wildfire risk is increasing, and millions of people are living under restrictions on water use,” the agency said as it made the announcement.
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