The UK government says almost three-quarters of England is now in drought, driven by a prolonged spell of very dry weather and unusually high temperatures. Officials report that 71.3% of England is experiencing a “flash drought,” a condition that develops quickly and is linked to low rainfall and heat.
The government’s update follows a late-July increase in drought coverage, when about half the country was already affected. The latest figures indicate around 45 million people live in drought areas and about 27 million are under water-use restrictions. The reports note the UK is in the grip of its fifth heatwave of the year, and England and Wales are provisionally recorded their driest July in 190 years. Southeast England has received roughly 1% of its expected average rainfall.
Outlets emphasize different elements of the impact. Some focus on water infrastructure and conservation measures, while others highlight environmental and agricultural effects, including declining river, reservoir, and groundwater levels and concerns for crops and food supplies. The government says it is increasing support for farmers, including making it easier to build on-site irrigation reservoirs as conditions continue.
