Story perspectives

Flash drought hits 71.3% of England, 45 million affected

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

On 11 August 2026 the National Drought Group said flash drought covers 71.3 % of England, 45 million people.
Southern Water's water bans affect millions and include a non-essential ban in parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Reservoirs sit at 69 % capacity, 11.6 % below the mid-August norm after a 16 % July drop, with the Environment Agency warning a 5 billion-litre-per-day shortfall by 2050 and prompting plans for nine new reservoirs and water-transfer schemes.

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Story summary

On 11 August 2026 the National Drought Group said flash drought covers 71.3 % of England, 45 million people.
Southern Water's water bans affect millions and include a non-essential ban in parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Reservoirs sit at 69 % capacity, 11.6 % below the mid-August norm after a 16 % July drop, with the Environment Agency warning a 5 billion-litre-per-day shortfall by 2050 and prompting plans for nine new reservoirs and water-transfer schemes.