Drought Spreads Across England as Water Restrictions Affect Millions

About 71% of England is officially in drought as exceptionally dry conditions put water supplies, farming and wildlife under pressure.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM.— Nearly three-quarters of England is now officially experiencing drought conditions after months of exceptionally low rainfall and intense summer heat depleted rivers, reservoirs and groundwater supplies, according to the British government.

About 71.3% of England was classified as being in drought as of August 10, a sharp increase from approximately half the country in late July. Around 45 million people live in affected areas, while roughly 27 million are subject to water-use restrictions.

England faces rapidly worsening water shortages

The scale of the drought follows an exceptionally dry July.

England and Wales experienced their driest July in approximately 190 years, according to figures cited by Reuters, while parts of southeast England received only a tiny fraction of their normal rainfall.

The consequences extend beyond household water supplies.

Agriculture faces increasing pressure as farmers attempt to maintain crops and livestock through prolonged dry conditions. Rivers and wetlands are also under stress, creating risks for fish, amphibians, birds and other wildlife.

The government is easing some regulations to help farmers develop additional on-site irrigation reservoirs.

Heat could make the drought worse

The drought is coinciding with another spell of exceptionally hot weather.

The Met Office said on August 11 that conditions would become hotter over the following days, with extreme heat possible in parts of England and Wales, particularly on Thursday.

That combination of drought and extreme temperatures could increase pressure on water infrastructure while raising wildfire risks.

The situation will depend heavily on whether Britain receives sustained rainfall rather than short-lived showers.

By Hannah Brooks | Environment and Climate Correspondent | CR Global News

Editorial Supervision: María Quesada, Editor-in-Chief | CR Global News