The Environment Agency has officially declared drought status across seven regions in central, eastern, and southern England, effective July 29, 2026.
The decision follows months of exceptionally hot and dry weather that severely depleted water supplies.
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This marks the nation's third drought in five years.
Official measurements show July brought just 7% of expected monthly rainfall across England, dropping to 1% in southern areas.
The dry spell follows record heat, with verified Met Office data showing June temperatures reached 38.0°C in Lingwood, Norfolk.
Affected areas include East Anglia, Thames Valley, London, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, Devon and Cornwall, West Midlands, and Wessex.
Flash Drought Triggers Water Restrictions
The rapid onset, termed a flash drought, forced widespread water restrictions and escalated agricultural risks despite heavy rain earlier in the year.
Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chair of the National Drought Group, addressed the rapid drawdown of national reserves.
"The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it," Wakeham said.
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Agricultural leaders warned that persistent heatwaves threaten national food production.
Paul Tompkins, deputy president of the National Farmers' Union of England and Wales, emphasized the mounting pressure facing growers.
"Farmers and growers have always had to contend with the weather, but what they are experiencing now is climate change in action.
More extreme conditions [are] making it harder, riskier and more costly to produce the nation's food," Tompkins said.
He noted that the severe dry conditions extend beyond agricultural operations to national security.
He added the issue of drought is something that "should matter to everyone" as it affects the country's food security.
Water scarcity extends beyond England's borders. Natural Resources Wales designated North Wales and the Upper Severn river basin in drought conditions last week.
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The Scottish Environment Protection Agency reported significant water scarcity in parts of eastern Scotland.
