31 August 2026: Drought Update

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

By mid August, 71% of England was now in drought, with the remainder under prolonged dry weather. This 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, 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. Find out more about what's happening here.