Half of England and all of Wales have been declared in drought as July is set to be the driest month on record, following four record-breaking heatwaves that have gripped the UK this summer.
Key facts
- Half of England and the whole of Wales are officially in drought.
- July is set to be the driest month on record for England and Wales.
- Four record-breaking heatwaves have hit the UK since May.
- The heat has fuelled huge wildfires and left farmers, wildlife and protected habitats running out of water.
- It is the third such drought event over the past five years.
Half of England and the whole of Wales are officially in drought and July is set to be the driest month on record, according to the Guardian, as extreme heat intensified by the climate crisis continues to grip the UK and Europe this summer.
The announcements were made this week by England’s Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales. The Guardian reports these mark the third such drought event over the past five years.
The declarations come in the wake of four record-breaking heatwaves since May. According to the Guardian, the relentless heat has fuelled huge wildfires and left farmers, wildlife and protected habitats running out of water.
The Guardian describes the visible impact of the warming climate as impossible to ignore across landscapes that have been starved of rainfall, with the country’s traditionally green surroundings turned brown.
The situation extends beyond the UK, with the Guardian noting that the extreme heat has continued to affect Europe more widely this summer.
Why it matters
Drought declarations across such a large portion of England and Wales signal mounting pressure on water supplies, agriculture and natural habitats. The recurrence of these events three times in five years underscores how the climate crisis is reshaping everyday life and landscapes in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas of the UK are officially in drought?
According to the Guardian, half of England and the whole of Wales are officially in drought, following announcements by England's Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.
Why is July significant this year?
The Guardian reports that July is set to be the driest month on record for England and Wales after a series of relentless heatwaves.
How many heatwaves has the UK experienced this summer?
The Guardian reports there have been four record-breaking heatwaves since May, which have fuelled huge wildfires and left farmers, wildlife and protected habitats running out of water.