The National Drought Group has declared four more regions of England in drought, meaning almost three-quarters of the country is now affected as the UK faces a potential fifth heatwave with temperatures possibly reaching 36C.
Key facts
- Four more English regions declared in drought: the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs.
- Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought.
- 27 million people are now living with restrictions on water use.
- The UK is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the summer, with possible highs of 36C.
- Amber heat health alerts have been issued for much of England.
Almost three-quarters of England is now officially in drought after the National Drought Group declared four more regions affected, according to the Guardian. The move comes as the UK braces for its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures potentially reaching 36C.
The four newly declared regions are the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs. Their addition means 27 million people are now living with restrictions on water use.
The National Drought Group met on Monday to assess the situation across England. Its members include the government, water companies, the National Farmers’ Union, the Met Office and conservation experts, according to the Guardian.
Before the latest declarations, all of Wales and more than half of England were already in drought following what the Guardian described as an unprecedented period of dry, hot weather over the summer. Earlier reports had noted that the north-west could join other parts of the country in drought.
Amber heat health alerts have been issued for much of England as the country heads into the potential fifth heatwave of the year. The Guardian reported that much of Europe is also bracing for its fifth heatwave of the summer.
The Guardian reported that the heat and continuing dry conditions are being supercharged by the escalating climate crisis.
Why it matters
Water use restrictions now affect 27 million people, reshaping daily life across large parts of England during a summer of repeated heatwaves. The declarations underscore how the escalating climate crisis is intensifying dry conditions and extreme heat, with implications for public health, agriculture and water supply.
Frequently asked questions
Which regions of England have just been declared in drought?
The four newly declared regions are the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs, according to the Guardian.
How many people are affected by water use restrictions?
According to the Guardian, 27 million people are now living with restrictions on water use.
How hot could it get during the upcoming heatwave?
The Guardian reported that temperatures could possibly reach 36C during the UK's fifth heatwave of the summer, with amber heat health alerts issued for much of England.