Image source, Ben Whitley/PA Wire

Drought officials have declared more than two-thirds of England are now in drought, after the nation recorded its driest July since records began in 1836.

The East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs moved into drought status on Monday, joining half of England and the whole of Wales.

The National Drought Group – made up of regulators, government officials, water companies and agricultural bodies - made the decision after a meeting on Monday.

A total of 45 million people are now living in a drought area in England, with more than 27 million facing water use restrictions.

It comes after an exceptionally hot and dry summer, with heatwave conditions set to return for many this week.

Chair of the National Drought Group, Tony Grayling, said drought conditions will continue to worsen until "significant and sustained rainfall".

Our live coverage is now ending, you can read more in this story.

Eleanor Shearwood
BBC Newsbeat

Image source, Lewis Somerville

While the whole of Wales and the majority of England are in drought, people in parts of Scotland have been facing plenty of rain showers.

Lewis Somerville has been at Edinburgh Festival Fringe over the past few days and has been trying to avoid slipping around the city.

"Obviously Edinburgh's on a hill and then it's not proper pavement, it's smooth so when it rains, trying to go up and down these hills, it's like it's like a water slide, it's not good," Lewis​​ tells BBC Newsbeat.

The 18-year-old from Edinburgh, who has been reviewing shows, admits he has fallen more times than he'd like to say.

Despite the rain, he says there has still been a great turnout for the Fringe.

"It's such a brilliant city and the Fringe is so great as well. I'm really happy that everyone's here and enjoying it."

Lewis says he'll be heading to London in a couple of days and says he's not "emotionally and mentally" ready for the heat, but has stocked up on fans in preparation.

It's worth noting that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued warnings about water scarcity despite the rain - we have recapped them here.

Image source, EPA

The Environment Agency says a majority of England is experiencing what it calls a "flash drought".

It says that this is when a drought "develops very quickly, brought about by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures".

According to David Gregory-Kumar, BBC West Midlands' science, environment and rural affairs correspondent, a flash drought can be likened to a switch being flipped.

"There's no more rain and we enter a drought with a speed we've not really seen before, hence the term 'flash'," he explains.

Could we have seen this coming?published at 18:04 BST 10 August

18:04 BST 10 August

Esme Stallard
Senior climate and science reporter

As we've just reported, Water Minister Emma Hardy has said that the government was "stepping up our support".

She says this includes helping farmers to build more on-site water storage, making sure the water industry reduce leaks in the system and building nine new reservoirs.

But those measures will not immediately solve this year's drought, and are unlikely to help with any others we get this decade. The first reservoir will be finished in 2036.

Prof Liz Bentley, the chief executive of the Royal Meteorological Society, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The hot, dry summers are something our climate models have been predicting."

In short, scientists have been warning this was coming - burning fossil fuels increases greenhouse gases which drives up global temperatures.

Water Minister Emma Hardy attended the National Drought Group meeting today.

She says the government is planning to:

• Increase the national water supply by building nine new reservoirs
• Reduce leaks in water infrastructure
• Make it easier for farmers to build more on-site irrigation reservoirs on their land

Hardy says she also expects water companies to "take every available step to minimise leakage and support customers in using water wisely".

More than two thirds of England and the whole of Wales are in drought conditions - but what does that mean and will we run out of water?

The BBC's Helena Wilkinson explains:

As we've just reported, the chair of the National Drought Group warns: "Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall."

Tony Grayling says the hot and dry conditions will have "long-lasting impacts on our environment".

He adds: "We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated over the summer, but we need everyone’s help in using a little less water to make sure our current water reserves last.

"Every drop we can save is a drop more for your local farmers, local wildlife and local rivers."

Image source, Environment Agency

Following this afternoon's announcement, here's the full list of English regions in drought conditions:

• East Midlands
• Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire
• Kent & East Sussex
• Solent & the South Downs

• East Anglia
• Hertfordshire and the whole of London
• Thames Valley
• Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
• Devon and Cornwall
• The West Midlands
• Wessex - covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and South Gloucestershire

The rest of England is now officially in a period of prolonged dry weather – the stage before drought – with nowhere now in normal status.

More than two-thirds of England are now officially in drought.

The East Midlands, Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire, Kent & East Sussex, and Solent & the South Downs are the latest regions to move into drought status, following a meeting of the National Drought Group earlier today.

That brings the total proportion of England in drought to 71.3% - but the group warns all regions of the country are experiencing pressure on their water resources.

It joins the whole of Wales, which has been in drought since the end of last month.

Chair of the National Drought Group Tony Grayling says: "Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall."

We'll bring you more on the announcement in the next few posts.

Justin Rowlatt
Climate editor

While the UK battles successive heatwaves and droughts there could be more heat to come globally.

El Niño - the recurring climate pattern which warms Pacific Ocean waters - can affect weather around the world and is giving global temperatures an additional, natural boost.

The World Meteorological Organisation, the UN agency for climate and weather, has said a strong El Niño event is developing and is expected to intensify in the coming months.

"El Niño is not just on our doorstep – it is inside the house and turning up the heat," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

"And this is only a warm-up act. El Niño is strengthening – adding fuel to a planet already on fire with scorching heat domes, apocalyptic wildfires and record hot seas. Fossil fuels are fanning the flames of this crisis. Expansion must stop."

Image source, Getty Images

Most wildfires in the UK are caused by human activity.

With numerous reported across the UK so far over the summer, catalysed by this extended period of hot dry weather, the government has advice, external on how to prevent them happening, and what to do if you see one.

Prevent wildfires occurring by:

• Not lighting fires in the countryside or open spaces like parks, moorland and woods
• Only using barbecues in designated areas. They should never be left unattended, and must be fully put out before being disposed of - check the ash is cold
• Carefully dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials
• Take all rubbish home, things like glass bottles can focus the sun's rays and cause fires
• Find out and follow specific local guidance and signage - there may be access restrictions in place

And if you see a wildfire:

• Move away from the fire to a safe location - do not attempt to tackle it yourself
• Alert authorities by calling 999 - you can use the Ordnance Survey app or what3words to give them an accurate location
• If fires are affecting the air quality of your area, keep windows and doors closed and always follow the advice of emergency services - including any instructions to evacuate or stay indoors

National Highways says a heathland fire in the New Forest has caused "significant damage to the road surface, road safety barrier and boundary fencing" of the nearby A31.

The blaze began when a van caught fire on the same road on Sunday.

National Highways says there is still no estimated time for when the A31 road will reopen and emergency repairs will be required when it's safe to do so.

Police say 23 drivers had to abandon their vehicles as the fire took hold - one woman tells us she feared her family's car might go up in flames.

In a new update, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service says more than 120 firefighters are continuing to tackle the blaze.

• Follow the latest on the New Forest fire in our dedicated live page

Amelia Riley
BBC News, Yorkshire

Image source, Amanda White/BBC

The hot and dry weather has been causing problems for farmers across the country.

Richard Beachell, who farms in Bainton, East Yorkshire, tells the BBC his fields are worryingly dry and there is "always that nagging thought in the back of your mind that one spark or if one bit of dust sets on fire then you're out of action".

Beachell says he had seen "big black plumes of smoke" on neighbouring farmland.

"You think, 'Yeah, that's another one gone... a combine harvester, a baler, a tractor or just a stubble fire'," he says.

As of the Environment Agency's last assessment, East Yorkshire has not been experiencing drought conditions. The region is classed as experiencing "prolonged dry weather" - the stage before a drought.

We're still waiting for an update from the National Drought Group on which English regions are in drought - stay with us.

Catherine Lyst
BBC Scotland

Despite better conditions in Scotland compared with England and Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued warnings about water scarcity.

It said July's rainfall was below average for the south and east of Scotland, with many areas seeing less than half the long-term average for the month.

Periods of heavy rainfall across the country this week have resulted in some recovery in eastern catchments, but further rainfall is required for widespread improvements.

Which areas are affected?

• The Lower Don, River Teviot and Ettrick Water in the Scottish Borders all have "significant scarcity", according to Sepa
• Significant scarcity could also be reached within the next week in Mid-Dee (Ballater to Banchory), Lower Dee and Water of Feugh in Aberdeenshire unless there is sustained rainfall, it adds
• There is "moderate scarcity" in Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeen), Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond, Tyne (Lothian) and Tweed
• A lower level "alert" has been issued for Findhorn, Spey and Esk (Angus), Esk (Dumfriesshire), Annan and Dee (Galloway) and Cree
• There has also been an "early warning" for Conon, Ness, Tay, Earn, Forth, Nith, Doon and Clyde.
• The rest of Scotland has normal water levels, according to Sepa

Image source, Sepa

London's Hyde Park appears significantly drier than last summerpublished at 15:45 BST 10 August

15:45 BST 10 August

By Thomas Copeland

Another impact of this hot summer can be seen in central London where Hyde Park’s Serpentine lido has been closed due to blue-green algae contamination.

A comparison of satellite imagery shows how Kensington Gardens in particular appears significantly drier this year compared with the summer of 2025.

Satellite imagery gathered by Thomas Spencer

Simon King
Lead weather presenter, BBC Weather

Image source, Getty Images

For England and Wales, there is no rain in the forecast through a lot of the week ahead as the next heatwave intensifies.

We have to look towards Sunday, where there are some signs of some rain coming into the UK from the Atlantic.

Low pressure bringing rain-bearing weather fronts will move in across Wales and southern England and - for some - a spell of rain.

While this doesn’t currently look to be particularly heavy or persistent, there could be the first bit of proper rain for many in nearly two months.

There could be a few showers at times across Scotland and Northern Ireland in the coming days, but these will be localised with most areas staying dry.

Longer-range forecasts are always subject to change but there may be a little bit more into next week - but amount of rain in any location may still be highly variable.

Beyond that, high pressure and more dry conditions look to be dominating the final week of August.

Esme Stallard
Senior climate and science reporter

Image source, Environment Agency/UK Government

Fish are becoming stranded and struggling to survive during the dry weather, the Environment Agency (EA) says.

Pools and rivers can dry up, whilst hot temperatures deplete oxygen levels in the water and pollution can be more concentrated, external.

Earlier this month hundreds of fish died in the River Wensum - which runs through Norwich - after heavy rainfall containing contaminants entered the river.

The hot weather meant that oxygen levels were already reduced, with fish struggling to breathe, and they became overwhelmed by the pollution according to experts.

The Shropshire Groundwater Scheme has been contributing the equivalent of 80 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water every day to the River Severn to help wildlife and and provide drinking water.

If water levels cannot be increased, then fish are captured and transported in oxygenated tanks to be relocated. But the fish must be healthy enough to travel and survive relocation - sometimes the stress already endured from the hot weather means such measures are not suitable.

Last week 650 fish including chubb, roach and minnow were moved safely from stranded positions in the River Exe at Bickleigh Mill, Devon.

BBC Newsbeat

By Eleanor Shearwood

As temperatures continue to rise, so do the chances of dry surfaces and levels of dust.

And some UK festival-goers have been feeling the impact - with many wearing face coverings and boots to try and avoid the clouds of dust being kicked up.

Ruth Casey tells BBC Newsbeat she brought a face covering to Maiden Voyage Festival in London on Saturday, as she's previously had issues at events.

While she remembers previous years being even "worse" with dust, the 28-year-old avid festival-goer says she has noticed the problem becoming a consistent issue for music fans.

She has a list of festivals she will be attending this summer abroad and in the UK and will be planning ahead for intense weather.

"I make sure I’m taking extra precautions, suncream, drinking enough water," she adds.

"I am still going to drink alcohol, but I’ll make sure I have a bottle of water between each drink and just making sure I am staying hydrated, keeping my sunglasses on."

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Weather Watchers/Pete's Portal

Dry conditions in England and Wales have caused drought declarations - but what's the picture in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland Water says supply in the country is "in a stable position".

"We continue to monitor reservoir levels, demand and weather conditions closely", the national water company adds.

But it says it is still encouraging customers to "use water wisely, particularly during prolonged dry or warm periods, to help protect supplies for when they are needed most".

Turning off taps, using a watering can instead of a sprinkler or hose, and only running full loads in washing machines and dishwashers can all help towards this, it advises.

Half of England and the whole of Wales are in drought, and parts of southern England have seen almost two months without notable rain.

Here's a reminder of which regions in England are already experiencing drought conditions:

• East Anglia
• Hertfordshire
• London
• Thames Valley
• Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
• Devon and Cornwall
• The West Midlands
• Wessex - covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and South Gloucestershire

More areas are due to be declared this afternoon by England's National Drought Group - stay with us for their update.