Dry Weather Information - drought 2026

Understanding the dry weather situation

Climate change is bringing more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns to England. The Environment Agency is coordinating the national response to dry weather and drought conditions, working to protect water supplies for homes, businesses, farmers and the environment.

Our role includes convening the National Drought Group, monitoring water levels, supporting farmers with irrigation guidance, working with local communities, protecting wildlife and aquatic habitats, and planning for long-term water security. This balanced approach ensures we safeguard both water resources and the natural environment while supporting the needs of people and businesses across England.

See also the Let's Save Water campaign to learn how to protect our precious water.

Latest situation

4 September: It was the wettest week since early February, with rainfall improving river flows, soil moisture deficits and environmental conditions across much of England. August rainfall reached 78% of the long-term average (LTA) nationally, although south-east England received only 54%. Despite these improvements, groundwater levels continue their seasonal decline. Reservoir storage has fallen to 58% nationally, remaining significantly below average, with 11 reservoirs now less than half full. There has been no change to Environment Agency Area drought status this week, with 10 areas in drought status and the remainder in prolonged dry weather status. Read more here

3 September: After hearing discussion at the National Drought Group, the Secretary of State visited Havant Thickett to see the new reservoir being developed to strengthen water resilience amid the ongoing drought. Read more here

We're featuring examples of the Environment Agency's work on social media, for example on Instagram recently we highlighted how our Hydrometry and Telemetry teams are on the ground year-round, providing the expertise behind critical decisions for communities, farmers and nature. Teams have been closely monitoring river levels at Wansford Gauge to determine how much water can be taken from the river during recent dry conditions.


End of August update: The National Drought Group has moved to weekly meetings as drought conditions continue to intensify, despite the recent rainfall. The move marks a further step change in the government’s response to the continued threat posed by wildfires and drought and follows the COBR meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The expert group includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, farmers, Canal & River Trust, anglers, and conservation experts

New factsheet: Managing ponds, lakes and fisheries during drought information is available in the FAQs.


10 August:

71% of England is now in drought, with the remainder under prolonged dry weather. This update follows England’s driest July since records began in 1836, with only 5% of average August rainfall recorded so far and further hot, dry weather forecast.

Drought conditions are continuing to place pressure on water resources, agriculture, public water supplies and the environment. Rivers, reservoirs and groundwater levels are declining, with reservoir storage now at 69%, while rising river temperatures and low flows are increasing risks to fish, wildlife and water-dependent habitats. Farmers are reporting reduced crop yields, livestock producers are using winter feed earlier than normal, and restrictions on agricultural abstraction are increasing in some areas. Eight water companies have introduced Temporary Use Bans, affecting more than 27 million customers.

Find out more about what's happening here.

29 July 2026: Half of England has been declared in drought by the Environment Agency.

A large swathe of central, eastern, and southern England is now experiencing a flash drought - which develops very quickly brought about by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures.

Rivers are running low, farmers are having to harvest crops early, wildfire risk is increasing, and millions of people are living under restrictions on water use.

Find out more about what's happening here.

21 July: National Drought Group met about the severe impact on our environment and affecting water supplies and food production from the recent extreme weather.

Wildfires have ripped through several areas, including dozens of delicate protected sites, and prime agricultural land.

The third heatwave of the year has seen ponds and wetlands dry out, which will impact bird breeding, while some rivers have dried up in places.

A lack of July rainfall, combined with the heat, is also putting pressure on public supplies – with demand for water soaring up to 30% on the hottest days.

Seven water companies have now implemented or announced future temporary use bans for 23 million customers to protect the environment and reduce the strain on their treatment works and storage during peak demand.

Farmers have had to begin their harvests early, with warnings that cereal yields will be lower than expected.

Weekly briefings can be found here.

House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee - Inquiry on Drought Preparedness

The Environment Agency gave evidence in February. The full report can be read here.

Frequently asked questions

If you have a question regarding dry weather, please check out our FAQs.

Our scientific research

The Environment Agency's Chief Scientist's Group works with leading scientists from universities, research institutes, and consultancies to improve understanding of drought, its impacts, and how to build resilience. Our research helps us develop better forecasting capabilities and targeted interventions to protect the environment during dry periods.

Learn more about our drought research.

Small green plants growing in dry, cracked soil.








Understanding the dry weather situation

Climate change is bringing more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns to England. The Environment Agency is coordinating the national response to dry weather and drought conditions, working to protect water supplies for homes, businesses, farmers and the environment.

Our role includes convening the National Drought Group, monitoring water levels, supporting farmers with irrigation guidance, working with local communities, protecting wildlife and aquatic habitats, and planning for long-term water security. This balanced approach ensures we safeguard both water resources and the natural environment while supporting the needs of people and businesses across England.

See also the Let's Save Water campaign to learn how to protect our precious water.

Latest situation

4 September: It was the wettest week since early February, with rainfall improving river flows, soil moisture deficits and environmental conditions across much of England. August rainfall reached 78% of the long-term average (LTA) nationally, although south-east England received only 54%. Despite these improvements, groundwater levels continue their seasonal decline. Reservoir storage has fallen to 58% nationally, remaining significantly below average, with 11 reservoirs now less than half full. There has been no change to Environment Agency Area drought status this week, with 10 areas in drought status and the remainder in prolonged dry weather status. Read more here

3 September: After hearing discussion at the National Drought Group, the Secretary of State visited Havant Thickett to see the new reservoir being developed to strengthen water resilience amid the ongoing drought. Read more here

We're featuring examples of the Environment Agency's work on social media, for example on Instagram recently we highlighted how our Hydrometry and Telemetry teams are on the ground year-round, providing the expertise behind critical decisions for communities, farmers and nature. Teams have been closely monitoring river levels at Wansford Gauge to determine how much water can be taken from the river during recent dry conditions.


End of August update: The National Drought Group has moved to weekly meetings as drought conditions continue to intensify, despite the recent rainfall. The move marks a further step change in the government’s response to the continued threat posed by wildfires and drought and follows the COBR meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The expert group includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, farmers, Canal & River Trust, anglers, and conservation experts

New factsheet: Managing ponds, lakes and fisheries during drought information is available in the FAQs.


10 August:

71% of England is now in drought, with the remainder under prolonged dry weather. This update follows England’s driest July since records began in 1836, with only 5% of average August rainfall recorded so far and further hot, dry weather forecast.

Drought conditions are continuing to place pressure on water resources, agriculture, public water supplies and the environment. Rivers, reservoirs and groundwater levels are declining, with reservoir storage now at 69%, while rising river temperatures and low flows are increasing risks to fish, wildlife and water-dependent habitats. Farmers are reporting reduced crop yields, livestock producers are using winter feed earlier than normal, and restrictions on agricultural abstraction are increasing in some areas. Eight water companies have introduced Temporary Use Bans, affecting more than 27 million customers.

Find out more about what's happening here.

29 July 2026: Half of England has been declared in drought by the Environment Agency.

A large swathe of central, eastern, and southern England is now experiencing a flash drought - which develops very quickly brought about by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures.

Rivers are running low, farmers are having to harvest crops early, wildfire risk is increasing, and millions of people are living under restrictions on water use.

Find out more about what's happening here.

21 July: National Drought Group met about the severe impact on our environment and affecting water supplies and food production from the recent extreme weather.

Wildfires have ripped through several areas, including dozens of delicate protected sites, and prime agricultural land.

The third heatwave of the year has seen ponds and wetlands dry out, which will impact bird breeding, while some rivers have dried up in places.

A lack of July rainfall, combined with the heat, is also putting pressure on public supplies – with demand for water soaring up to 30% on the hottest days.

Seven water companies have now implemented or announced future temporary use bans for 23 million customers to protect the environment and reduce the strain on their treatment works and storage during peak demand.

Farmers have had to begin their harvests early, with warnings that cereal yields will be lower than expected.

Weekly briefings can be found here.

House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee - Inquiry on Drought Preparedness

The Environment Agency gave evidence in February. The full report can be read here.

Frequently asked questions

If you have a question regarding dry weather, please check out our FAQs.

Our scientific research

The Environment Agency's Chief Scientist's Group works with leading scientists from universities, research institutes, and consultancies to improve understanding of drought, its impacts, and how to build resilience. Our research helps us develop better forecasting capabilities and targeted interventions to protect the environment during dry periods.

Learn more about our drought research.

Small green plants growing in dry, cracked soil.








Page last updated: 08 Sep 2026, 03:21 PM