- Half of England has been declared in drought by the Environment Agency.
- Seven areas of England are now officially in drought, according to the Environment Agency.
- Drought has been declared across more than half of England as hot, dry weather takes its toll on the country's water supplies.
- The Environment Agency (EA) states that seven regions are now in official drought conditions, covering large parts of central, eastern, and southern England.
- July saw just 7% of the expected levels of rainfall in England, with only 1% across southern England.
- The impacts of the drought are already being felt, including low river flows, early harvests, and a high risk of wildfires.
- Millions of people are already under hosepipe bans due to the drought conditions.
- The fourth heatwave of the year is set to peak with temperatures reaching up to 35C (95F), raising concerns about wildfires.
- The seven areas officially in drought include East Anglia, Hertfordshire and London, Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex.
- The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert for the East Midlands, East, South East, and London, warning of increased health risks due to rising temperatures.
- The amber heat alert is in place until 9am on Thursday, with warnings that rising temperatures may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Half of England has been declared in drought by the Environment Agency, affecting seven regions including London and East Anglia. This declaration follows a month of record-low rainfall, with only 7% of expected precipitation in July, and just 1% in southern England.1345
The drought conditions have led to hosepipe bans for millions, as the country grapples with the impacts of prolonged dry weather. Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency, stated, "The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it."7
The regions officially in drought include Thames Valley, Hampshire, Devon, Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert for the East Midlands, East, South East, and London, warning of increased health risks due to rising temperatures.10
As the fourth heatwave of the year peaks at 35C (95F), experts caution that the risk of wildfires could be "exceptionally severe". The alert remains in effect until 9am on Thursday, highlighting the urgent need for water conservation measures across the affected regions.8
“July saw just 7% of expected rainfall across England, with only 1% in southern regions, exacerbating water supply issues. The Environment Agency warns that low river flows and high wildfire risks are already being felt, prompting hosepipe bans for millions.”
Farmers Guardian
This is the Coast
