A drought has been declared in the Thames Valley following the sustained hot and dry weather.
The Environment Agency has confirmed large areas in southern, central and eastern England are experiencing a flash drought due to very low rainfall and higher temperatures.
Rivers are running low, farmers are having to harvest crops early and the risk of wildfires is increasing, the agency added.
Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chairwoman of the National Drought Group, said: “The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.
“A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife, and the economy.
“We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture.”
Representatives from the National Drought Group – which includes the Met Office, Government and water companies – held a dedicated drought briefing on Tuesday.
They discussed the country’s preparedness for drought and told water companies to prioritise fixing leaks.
The current drought now means there have been three droughts in the past five years – 2022, 2025 and now 2026.
Southern England has experienced just one per cent of its expected rainfall in July, the Environment Agency said.
The region has already experienced a number of heatwaves with temperatures above 30 degrees today.
