Eight areas of England have been officially declared in drought after the country's driest July in 50 years, affecting millions of residents across southern, central and eastern regions. The National Drought Group's declaration means water companies will likely enforce further restrictions on usage, with hosepipe bans already in place for Southern Water, South East Water, Welsh Water and Thames Water customers.
The affected areas include Devon and Cornwall, Solent and South Downs, Kent and South London, Herts and North London, East Anglia, Thames, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, and the East Midlands. This marks England's first drought declaration since 2018, triggered by prolonged dry weather and high temperatures that have severely depleted river levels, groundwater and reservoir storage.
The drought announcement comes as the Met Office issues yellow thunderstorm warnings across large parts of the UK from Sunday through Tuesday. The warnings cover much of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, creating an unusual weather paradox.
Whilst rain might seem welcome relief amid the dry conditions, meteorologists warn that thunderstorms typically produce intense, localised downpours rather than the widespread soaking needed to alleviate drought. Flash flooding could hit some areas, potentially causing more problems than solutions.
The warnings indicate risks of heavy downpours, lightning, hail and strong winds, with possible travel disruption and power cuts. Temperatures will remain high in southern England at 25-28°C, dropping to 20-23°C further north. Wind speeds could reach 40mph in exposed areas during storms.
In Wales, where hosepipe bans are already active in some areas, the thunderstorm warnings highlight potential disruption despite urgent rainfall needs. The Environment Agency advises residents to secure loose garden items, check drain clearance and exercise caution when travelling.
The drought declaration triggers specific actions by water companies and environmental agencies to preserve essential water supplies and protect the environment during this challenging period.