Drought declared in ‘almost three-quarters’ of England, government says
Some 71.3 per cent of England is in drought, the UK government said on Monday, after the nation experienced its driest July on record, with a fifth heatwave and scant rain forecast for the week ahead. Parks and fields that are usually green at this point in the year were parched and yellow, according to Agence France-Presse photos, as river levels dwindled and farmers battling low crop yields…
The UK government has declared drought conditions in nearly three-quarters of England, following its driest July on record. River levels are dwindling, and farmers are warning of potential food shortages due to low crop yields. The Environment Department stated that "almost three-quarters of England is now in drought as conditions worsen following a dry start to August."
Most of the country is experiencing a "flash drought" caused by very low rainfall and high temperatures, marking the third drought Britain has faced in five years. Over 50% of England was in drought at the end of July, and Britain is currently facing its fifth heatwave of the summer, with multiple temperature records being broken.
Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying and increasing the frequency of such extreme weather events. The government has imposed irrigation restrictions on farmers and introduced a hosepipe ban in some regions, with over 27 million people living under water-use restrictions. About 45 million people, or 45% of the UK population, now reside in a drought-affected area.
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