Drought Declared Across England and Wales Amid Record Heat
Water restrictions impact millions as temperatures climb, raising concerns for infrastructure and food supply.
Carla Rooney
Much of England and Wales are officially in drought.
Temperatures, once considered highly unusual, have become the norm; an exceptional summer made them so, Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan confirmed.
Western Europe's average temperatures for June-July hit 21.61C, shattering the 2022 record, according to the EU's Copernicus program. Globally, 2023 is on track to be one of the hottest years ever recorded, with the escalating climate crisis reportedly supercharging the heat and ongoing drought.
England and Wales experienced the driest July since records began in 1836. River levels plummeted after less than 10mm of rain fell across England for seven consecutive weeks.
Reservoir levels across England remain below normal, with five now classified as 'exceptionally low'. Over 23 million people already face hosepipe bans, and the Environment Agency claims more than 25 million people face restrictions on water use.
In stark contrast to the parched south, north-west Scotland received over half a month's rainfall in just two days. The Environment Agency claims additional areas of England could enter drought status; no significant rainfall is expected for England and Wales in the foreseeable future.
This summer has been linked to over 2,800 excess deaths. Two record-breaking heatwaves in May and June reportedly contributed to this figure.
Health officials warn of serious consequences in health and social care settings, alongside a potential rise in deaths due to the coming hot weather. Morgan claims potential impacts to infrastructure, including railway lines and power networks, and to vulnerable populations.
Firefighters battled a wildfire in the New Forest, an area where drought has already been declared. The National Farmers Union claims continuing dry weather could lead to food shortages.