Story perspectives

England Declares Drought as Rivers Dip, Wildfires Spike

7/29/2026

Summary

England Declares Drought

England declared a drought on 29 July 2026 in seven regions, East Anglia and the West Midlands.
July 2026 recorded only 7 % of rainfall nationwide, 1 % in southern England, and a 35.2 °C at Writtle, Essex.
78 % of England’s rivers are below normal, reservoirs at 75.3 % capacity and water firms banning use for 23 million customers.
NFU president Paul Tompkins warned food production could face shortages of baking potatoes, onions and 18.5 million litres of milk.

Summary

Task Force Secures

A cross-government task force was launched to secure water supplies into the autumn, prioritising leak prevention and agency coordination.
Drought-driven low river flows have left natterjack toad spawning pools dry and blocked Atlantic salmon from migrating upstream, threatening their breeding success.
The National Fire Chiefs Council reported that emergency services responded to 706 wildfires in England and Wales in 2026, with 208 incidents recorded from 16-28 July.

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England Declares Drought

England declared a drought on 29 July 2026 in seven regions, East Anglia and the West Midlands.
July 2026 recorded only 7 % of rainfall nationwide, 1 % in southern England, and a 35.2 °C at Writtle, Essex.
78 % of England’s rivers are below normal, reservoirs at 75.3 % capacity and water firms banning use for 23 million customers.
NFU president Paul Tompkins warned food production could face shortages of baking potatoes, onions and 18.5 million litres of milk.

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