England and Wales are experiencing their driest July on record, with widespread drought due to extreme temperatures. The Environment Agency reports that half of England is facing drought conditions, while Natural Resources Wales states that all its areas are similarly affected, marking the third occurrence in the past five years.
The prolonged heatwaves in the UK since May have led to dry conditions, turning fields and lawns brown. The Met Office describes the situation as “remarkable”, with July characterized by extreme heat, abundant sunshine, and minimal rainfall.
Statistics indicate that England has only received 5.6mm of rainfall in July, less than half of the previous record set in 1911. Similarly, Wales is on track for its driest July, with only 7.9mm of rainfall recorded, a third of the previous record set in 1911. Northern Ireland is likely to have its eighth driest July, while Scotland has received 72% of its average rainfall for the month, not ranking within the top 10 driest Julys.
Despite one day remaining in July, the Met Office describes the month as “truly exceptional” due to the combination of a heatwave, low rainfall, and widespread drought conditions. Water companies do not foresee a threat to drinking water supplies, but over 23 million people in England and Wales are facing hosepipe bans.
Aerial images show the dry landscape in London, with parched grass visible in royal gardens. Record-breaking temperatures, including highs of 35.2C, have been recorded, with wildfires becoming a significant risk due to the changing climate.
In July, firefighters responded to 393 wildfires across England and Wales, making it the busiest month on record. The National Trust is calling for action to help communities adapt to climate change, emphasizing the need for resilient landscapes and cooler urban areas.
The UK Health Security Agency warns of a potential record number of heat-associated deaths in 2026, surpassing previous years. The report shows a significant increase in heat-related deaths compared to last summer, with over 2,800 deaths linked to heatwaves in May and June this year.
