Official drought conditions have expanded across all of Wales and nearly half of England, affecting approximately 31 million residents.
The declaration follows intense summer heatwaves and historically low rainfall, as confirmed by government environmental agencies on July 31, 2026.
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Natural Resources Wales verified that the entire country has entered official drought status due to severely depleted precipitation levels.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency reported that around 28 million people in central, eastern, and southern England are experiencing similar conditions after the driest July on record.
Met Office data indicates England received roughly seven percent of its typical monthly rainfall in July, dropping to just one percent in southern regions.
Wales recorded about eight percent of its long-term monthly average rainfall.
These conditions mark the second consecutive year of summer drought across parts of the United Kingdom despite substantial winter precipitation.
Environmental officials emphasized that the current heatwave is straining public infrastructure, ecosystems, and agricultural output.
Water storage levels remain under severe pressure as dry conditions fuel increased risks of agricultural loss and wildfires.
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Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chair of the National Drought Group, highlighted the severity of the compounding dry seasons.
"The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it," said Wakeham.
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"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.
