More than half of England is officially in drought, the Environment Agency says, following unusually low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures. Multiple outlets report that drought conditions are declared across seven regions spanning parts of southern, eastern and central England. Coverage describes the situation as a “flash drought,” developing quickly due to a combination of very dry weather and heat. The UK government and Environment Agency attribute the drought declarations to record-low rain alongside exceptionally high temperatures. One report says the drought coverage amounts to 51.4% of England. Reporting also notes that the current pattern includes summer conditions, with July expected to be among the driest on record in some accounts. The drought declarations are presented as official measures to reflect water stress and guide responses in affected areas, including major population regions such as London and nearby parts of East Anglia, as well as parts of the southwest and the West Midlands. No sources in the provided set dispute the drought status; they largely agree on the extent, cause, and the agency’s designation of specific affected areas.