England Faces Second Straight Summer Drought as Water Reserves Fail to Recover

Half of England is officially in drought as of July 29, 2026 — the second consecutive summer. Seven regions across southern England, the Midlands, and East Anglia are designated. Reservoirs and aquifers never fully recovered over winter, and the Met Office forecasts no significant rainfall. Environment Agency water director Helen Wakeham called it "an exceptionally serious situation with long-lasting impacts on the environment, wildlife, and the economy." Hosepipe bans and further restrictions now loom.