The Environment Agency has declared a drought in London and six other areas of England, warning of 'long-lasting impacts' on the environment, wildlife and the economy. The declaration comes as parts of the UK experience a fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures reaching into the 30s Celsius.
Areas affected by drought
The seven areas officially in drought are East Anglia, Hertfordshire and the whole of London, Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex – covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. These areas cover around half of England.
Almost a third of England – including Yorkshire, parts of the South East and North West – is in 'prolonged dry status', with only the North East still seeing 'normal' conditions for the time of year, according to the Environment Agency.
Record low rainfall and high temperatures
July is set to be the driest month on record, with England having just 7% of expected rainfall, and southern England seeing just 1%. The Met Office confirmed a new June temperature record of 38C, up from the provisional 37.7C, recorded at Lingwood in Norfolk on June 26.
There have been record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, and a third earlier this month, which have hit agriculture, rivers and the natural environment, prompted widespread wildfires and led to hosepipe bans for millions of people.
Flash drought despite wet winter
The drought is described as a 'flash drought' – one which has come on quickly despite a very wet winter. It is the second consecutive year with parts of the country suffering from drought, despite winter rainfall replenishing reservoirs and groundwater, the Environment Agency said. There have been three droughts in the past five years, in 2022, 2025 and 2026.
Official warnings and response
Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chairwoman of the National Drought Group, said: 'The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it. A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife and the economy. We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture.'
Water minister Emma Hardy said: 'Our climate is changing, droughts are becoming increasingly common, and we need to be prepared for this new normal. We're delivering long-term change in the water industry and driving record investments in infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs. We expect water companies to follow their drought plans, to go further and faster to reduce leaks, and to ensure supplies are not disrupted even in the driest of weather.'
