Britain faces worst cereal harvest in 40 years as drought grips 71% of England

Britain is heading for its worst cereal harvest in four decades after England and Wales recorded their driest July since records began in 1836. Over 71% of England is now in drought — the third in five years. Farmers describe conditions as "horrendous" and warn of potential food shortages. More than half of winter wheat was already harvested by late July. Below-average rainfall is forecast to continue.