July Confirmed Driest on Record as Drought Widens
July was the driest on record for England and Wales, forecasters said, after a summer of repeated heatwaves left the ground parched and reservoirs low. Around half of England is now in drought, and a fresh heat-health alert was issued for London and the South. Farmers warned that the lack of rain could push up food prices.
The record-dry month has deepened a water crisis that has brought hosepipe bans for tens of millions, wildfires across the countryside and warnings that supplies could tighten further. Water companies said they “cannot magic up more water” and urged restraint, while facing renewed anger over leaks and years of underinvestment in reservoirs. Scientists link the lengthening dry spells to a warming climate that is reshaping British summers. Meaningful rain to refill rivers and reservoirs may be weeks away. Watch for further restrictions and the effect on this year’s harvest.