More than half of England is in drought due to record low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures

More than half of England is in drought, the UK government announced on July 29, due to record low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures. According to a statement from the government's Environment Agency, this July is likely to be the driest July on record, with only 7 percent of the predicted rainfall falling nationwide, and only 1 percent in some parts of southern England. In addition, Britain is currently facing its fourth heatwave nationwide in 2026. The combination of low rainfall and hot temperatures has led to a rapidly developing drought, described as a "flash drought," and areas of England that have experienced two consecutive dry summers are facing drought conditions. "Rivers are running low. Farmers are having to harvest crops early. The risk of wildfires is increasing, and millions of people are living under water restrictions," the agency's statement said. Ref:AFP AFP photos