A Drought Without Precedent

The parched landscapes of southern England serve as a stark reminder that record-breaking summer heatwaves have far-reaching consequences. July 2026 was the driest month on record, with only 6.5mm of rainfall in England and 9.3mm in Wales – both barely scraping 10% of their long-term averages.

This year’s exceptional dryness is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events that have become increasingly common. The heatwave at the end of June was the most severe and widespread on record, with western Europe severely affected. The Met Office notes that this kind of “remarkable condition” is being made more intense by the climate crisis driven by fossil fuel emissions.

The Environment Agency’s warning that half of England and all of Wales are in drought should not be understated. For farmers, wildlife, and businesses reliant on water supplies, the consequences will be severe. The National Farmers’ Union has sounded the alarm about potential food shortages, while rivers across Europe face extremely low flows – a stark reminder of the global nature of this crisis.

Wales recorded its joint warmest July on record for mean temperature, with England recording its second-warmest. These temperatures are unprecedented and happening in tandem with record-breaking dryness, illustrating how climate change is rewriting the rules of our weather. The 1976 heatwave in England, which saw temperatures soar above 35°C for weeks, is often cited as one of the most severe summer events of the past century. However, what’s different about this year’s extreme weather is its sheer duration and the fact that it’s happening against a backdrop of rising global temperatures.

The Met Office’s Dr Amy Doherty notes that “the combination of record-breaking dryness, exceptional warmth, and unprecedented sunshine has delivered one of the most notable summer months in our historical records.” While her words are measured, they cannot disguise the gravity of the situation. The Environment Agency’s warning that water reserves should be enough for the coming months offers little comfort to those affected by this drought – especially when south-east England shows no signs of relief.

As we head into the second half of 2026, one question looms large: what will it take to break this cycle of extreme weather? Can we afford to wait any longer for meaningful action on climate change? The answer seems all too clear – and it’s not a pretty picture.