England and Wales face record drought: July rainfall drops to 8% of average
Drought leads to water restrictions and increased fire risk, affecting agriculture and infrastructure.
1Historic drought data
England and Wales are experiencing their driest July since records began 190 years ago. England recorded just 5.6mm of rainfall in July - only 8% of the long-term average and less than half of the previous record of 13.4mm set in 1911. Wales saw 7.9mm of rainfall, also just 8% of its long-term average.
2Official drought declaration
The Environment Agency declared a flash drought across more than half of England and all of Wales. Wisley in Surrey went 44 consecutive days without any rainfall as of 30 July. In Scotland, some eastern areas are in the 'significant water scarcity' category. Water is being used up much faster than nature can replenish it.
3Water restrictions and impacts
Over 20 million people are under hosepipe bans to conserve water. The drought has caused low river flows and early harvests. Dry and hot conditions have significantly increased wildfire risk. A major incident was declared in Suffolk where firefighters battled a blaze covering 200 football pitches.
4Scotland's wildfire disaster
A wildfire in the Cairngorms burned for two weeks, destroying 25 square kilometers of moorland. While Scotland doesn't declare droughts, water scarcity is closely monitored. Authorities report severe water shortages particularly in eastern regions.
5Temperature records
July is on track to be one of the warmest on record for much of the UK. Wales is experiencing its warmest July for mean temperature, while England saw one of its hottest Julys. Southern England recorded mean temperatures 3.2°C above average.
6Health impacts
The UK could record its highest number of heat-related deaths since records began this year. The UK Health Security Agency estimates 2,877 heat-related deaths occurred during May and June heatwaves - nearly double last year's total.
7Historic temperature data
This year saw 7 days above 35°C - surpassing the previous record of 5 days set in 1976. There were 31 days above 30°C, close to the 1995 record of 34 days. In 1976, there were only 24 such days. July's highest temperature was 35.5°C recorded in Wisley, Surrey on 9 July.
8Long-term effects and warnings
Experts warn climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events. The drought is causing early harvests and yield losses in agriculture, while infrastructure suffers from disrupted rail services. Authorities continue water conservation calls while increasing wildfire warnings.