Almost half of England is now facing drought conditions following a series of intense heatwaves that have led to the driest July ever recorded. The Environment Agency has officially declared drought in seven regions spanning central, eastern, and southern England, cautioning that water usage is surpassing nature’s replenishment rate.

Farmers are reporting significant damage to crops due to the extended dry period, resulting in potential shortages of certain vegetables such as baking potatoes. The affected regions include East Anglia, Hertfordshire, London, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Devon, Cornwall, West Midlands, and Wessex.

England has only received 7% of its typical July rainfall, with southern England experiencing just 1% of the expected precipitation. The Environment Agency attributes this to a dry spring, hot summer, and consecutive heatwaves, leading to a sudden drought despite reservoirs and groundwater being replenished during a wet winter.

As the UK faces a fourth heatwave, wildfires have already caused damage to homes, crops, and wildlife. Farmers like Paul Francis from Long Farms in Suffolk are witnessing reduced yields and smaller produce sizes due to the lack of rainfall.

The National Farmers Union is advocating for easier regulations to allow farmers to construct reservoirs and store water to mitigate the impact of drought. Water minister Emma Hardy emphasized the need for preparedness in the face of changing climate conditions, stressing the importance of water conservation and infrastructure investments.

Climate and campaign organization Uplift’s deputy director, Robert Palmer, highlighted the urgent need for action against climate breakdown, urging leaders to prioritize environmental protection over short-term economic gains. Forecasters predict minimal rainfall in the coming days, with a persistent high-pressure system expected to dominate the weather until early September.