A drought has been declared across more than half of England as hot, dry weather continues to impact the country's water supplies. This announcement on Wednesday means England has experienced three droughts in the past five years, with previous declarations in 2022 and 2025.
The lack of rainfall has led to lowered river levels, with the River Thames exposing its riverbed in London and the River Redlake in Bucknell, Shropshire, having a completely dry height marker. The riverbed of the River Wye in Hereford was also seen bare.
Parks and beauty spots, including Greenwich Park, Primrose Hill, Hackney Marshes, Peckham Common, and Leyton Flats in London, have turned yellow and parched. Reservoirs such as Walthamstow Wetlands and Howden Reservoir in the Peak District have also shrunk.