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U.K. Government Declares Over Half of England in Drought

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The U.K. government has declared over half of England in drought due to record-low rain and exceptionally high temperatures. The drought declarations follow an exceptionally hot and dry period, which has hit rivers, crops, and nature.

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U.K. Government Declares Over Half of England in Drought

The U.K. government has declared over half of England in drought, citing record-low rain and exceptionally high temperatures. The seven areas declared in drought comprise 51.4% of the nation, including London, East Anglia, and southwest England. This follows what is set to be the driest July on record. The drought declarations follow an exceptionally hot and dry period, which has hit rivers, crops, and nature. The U.K. is also currently experiencing its fourth widespread heatwave of 2026. According to the BBC, the drought declarations are a result of the exceptionally hot and dry period, which has had a significant impact on the environment. The U.K. government has urged residents to conserve water and reduce their water usage. The drought is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, with the U.K. government warning of potential water shortages and disruptions to daily life.

More than half of England in drought, says UK government

The UK government has declared that more than half of England is in drought, citing 'record-low rain and exceptionally high temperatures'. The drought declarations follow an exceptionally hot and dry period. The UK is experiencing its fourth widespread heatwave of 2026, with just seven percent of expected rainfall nationwide. The government has warned that the drought could have severe consequences for crops and nature. The UK is taking steps to mitigate the effects of the drought, including providing support to farmers and implementing water-saving measures.

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