England drought spreads to 71% as heatwave persists
England's drought now covers 71.3% of the country, affecting 45 million people, with 27 million under water restrictions.
The British government has announced that nearly three-quarters of England is now officially in drought, as the country endures its fifth heatwave of the year. The latest figures show that 71.3% of England is affected, a sharp rise from late July when about half the country was in drought.
According to the government, 45 million people now live in drought-affected areas, and 27 million face restrictions on water use. The situation has been driven by exceptionally low rainfall and above-average temperatures. England and Wales recorded their driest July in 190 years, with southeast England receiving just 1% of its expected monthly rainfall.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said the government is stepping up support, including making it easier for farmers to build on-site irrigation reservoirs. She acknowledged how challenging the summer has been for many.
The prolonged dry spell has caused rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater levels to keep falling, while the hot, dry conditions raise the risk of wildfires. The government also noted impacts on wildlife, including breeding birds, amphibians, and freshwater fish.
Health authorities reported last month that an estimated 2,877 people in Britain have died from heat-related causes so far this year.