England's Flash Drought: 27 Million Face Water Restrictions

The National Drought Group reports 71.3% of England is in a flash drought — a rapid-onset dry spell — affecting roughly 45 million people. Over 27 million now face water use restrictions. July brought just 6.5mm of rain, England's driest since 1836. Chair Tony Grayling warns conditions will worsen until sustained rainfall arrives, a risk the group flagged in October 2025.