Parched parkland at Greenwich in London, one of seven areas declared to be officially in drought by the Environment Agency. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPAParched parkland at Greenwich in London, one of seven areas declared to be officially in drought by the Environment Agency. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPAHalf of England officially in ‘exceptionally serious’ droughtEnvironment Agency names seven regions affected by unusually hot and dry weather and shortage of water
Half of England is officially in drought, with July set to be the driest on record after winter floods, the Environment Agency has said.
The “flash drought” developed quickly because of unusually low rainfall and high temperatures.
The seven areas officially in drought are East Anglia, Hertfordshire and the whole of London, Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex (covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and south Gloucestershire).
Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chair of the National Drought Group, said: “The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.
“A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife, and the economy.
skip past newsletter promotionafter newsletter promotion
“We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture.”
Explore more on these topicsShareReuse this content
