The Environment Agency says more than half of England is now officially in drought after an exceptionally hot and dry spell, with July on course to be the driest on record.
Key facts
- More than half of England is officially in drought, the Environment Agency says.
- Seven regions have been named as affected.
- July is set to be the driest on record, following earlier winter floods.
- The Guardian described the drought as 'exceptionally serious' in its reporting.
- Rivers, crops and nature have been hit by the hot, dry conditions.
More than half of England is now officially in drought, the Environment Agency has declared, following what the agency described as an exceptionally hot and dry period.
According to the BBC, scorching temperatures and very low levels of rain have led to drought being declared across much of England. The agency said the conditions have hit rivers, crops and nature.
The Guardian, which described the drought as ‘exceptionally serious’, reported that the Environment Agency has named seven regions affected by the unusually hot and dry weather and a shortage of water.
The Guardian said the drought developed quickly as a ‘flash drought’, driven by unusually low rainfall combined with high temperatures.
July is set to be the driest on record, according to the Environment Agency, a sharp contrast to the winter floods that preceded it.
The declarations underline the swing from wet winter conditions to a rapidly developing summer drought across large parts of the country.
Why it matters
Drought affects water supplies, farming and the natural environment, with knock-on effects for food production and wildlife. The rapid shift from winter floods to a record-dry July highlights how quickly conditions can change and the pressure this places on rivers and reservoirs.
Frequently asked questions
How much of England is in drought?
The Environment Agency says more than half of England is officially in drought, with seven regions named as affected.
Why did the drought develop so quickly?
According to the Guardian, it is a 'flash drought' that developed quickly because of unusually low rainfall combined with high temperatures.
How dry has July been?
The Environment Agency says July is set to be the driest on record, following winter floods earlier in the period.