More than half of England has been officially declared in drought amid an exceptionally dry and hot July, the UK government announced Wednesday. According to the Environment Agency, only seven percent of the expected rainfall fell across the country in July, marking what could become the driest month on record. Some areas in southern England received as little as one percent of typical rainfall for this period.

The drought declaration covers seven regions, including London, East Anglia to the northeast, southwest England, and the West Midlands. Collectively, these areas account for 51.4 percent of England’s land. Authorities characterized the situation as a “flash drought,” a phenomenon that develops rapidly due to a combination of minimal rainfall and elevated temperatures.

This marks the second consecutive summer during which parts of England have faced drought conditions. The country is also enduring its fourth widespread heatwave this year, compounding the severity of water shortages. The Environment Agency highlighted the impact across multiple sectors, noting low river levels, farmers accelerating crop harvests, rising wildfire risks, and the imposition of water usage restrictions affecting millions.

A meeting of the National Drought Group, which brings together meteorologists, government ministers, regulators, water companies, and representatives from farming and other sectors, was held Tuesday to assess the evolving situation and coordinate response efforts.

The ongoing dry spell and heatwaves pose serious challenges for water management and agriculture in England, as authorities work to mitigate risks from prolonged drought conditions.