England and Wales are currently experiencing their driest July since record-keeping began 190 years ago. Met Office statistics show England has received only 5.6mm of rain, which is 8% of the typical monthly average, while Wales recorded 7.9mm, also 8% of its expected average. Both figures are significantly lower than the previous records established in 1911.
Nationally, the UK is heading toward its third-driest July ever, marking the lowest rainfall since 1868. This follows official drought declarations covering over half of England and parts of Wales. In Surrey, Wisley has gone 44 days without any precipitation. Meanwhile, Natural Resources Wales has confirmed drought conditions in North Wales and the Upper Severn, and parts of eastern Scotland are facing significant water scarcity.
These conditions have caused low river levels and accelerated harvests. Hosepipe bans currently affect over 20 million people as officials urge water conservation. Furthermore, the dry landscape has increased wildfire risks; Suffolk authorities declared a major incident recently for a blaze covering 200 football pitches, and a massive wildfire in the Cairngorms destroyed 10 square miles of moorland.
Temperatures remain a concern, with the UK recording 35.5C in July and enduring its fourth heatwave of the year. The UK Health Security Agency estimates 2,877 heat-related deaths occurred during May and June. Furthermore, the country has experienced seven days exceeding 35C and 31 days above 30C, moving closer to historic temperature records.
