Published • loading... • Updated
Almost three-quarters of England in drought as conditions worsen in dry August
Officials say 45 million people now live in drought areas as water restrictions spread and reservoir levels fall across England.
- On Monday, the National Drought Group declared 71% of England is now in drought, with the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Kent, East Sussex, Solent, and the South Downs moving into new drought status.
- The National Drought Group described the situation as a 'flash drought' that 'develops very quickly' due to a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures, marking the third drought in five years.
- A total of 45 million people now live in drought areas, with more than 27 million facing water use restrictions; NFU president Tom Bradshaw warned livestock farmers have already used their winter feed rations.
- The Health Security Agency issued amber heat alerts for England from Tuesday until Friday, while National Drought Group chair Tony Grayling urged residents to 'use a little less water' to preserve reserves.
- Climate Change Committee chief executive Emma Pinchbeck warned the nation is 'not prepared at all' for prolonged dry weather, as a strong El Niño event is expected to 'dominate global climate patterns' in coming months.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions
100 Articles
100 Articles
The entire Department of the English Channel was placed on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the "crisis" level for drought.
·Rennes, France
Read Full Article
Milk supply being impacted as Yorkshire braces for another heatwave
Milk, fruit, vegetable and grain supply are all likely to be significantly impacted by the ongoing drought, experts warned yesterday, as the country prepares to go into its fifth heatwave of an already record-breaking summer.
·Leeds, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Currently, a total of 45 million people live in drought-affected areas in England, and more than 27 million face water restrictions.
·Las Condes, Chile
Read Full Article
Never was such a dry July recorded in England as this summer. Authorities say that nowhere in the Kingdom is the normal state. Farmers even warn of food shortages.
·Berlin, Germany
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources100
Leaning Left10Leaning Right18Center33Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Center
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
54% Center
L 16%
C 54%
R 30%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
