England and Wales are experiencing their driest July on record due to a prolonged period of extreme heat and scarce rainfall. The Environment Agency reported that half of England is under drought conditions, while Natural Resources Wales indicated a similar situation across all its regions, marking the third occurrence in the past five years.
The scorching temperatures have led to dried-up fields and lawns, with the UK witnessing four heatwaves since May, contributing to the outbreak of wildfires. The Met Office described the conditions as “remarkable,” with July characterized by intense heat, abundant sunshine, and minimal rainfall.
Preliminary data reveals that England recorded only 5.6mm of rainfall in July, less than half of the previous record set in 1911. Similarly, Wales is also facing its driest July, with 7.9mm of rainfall recorded, nearly a third of the previous record from 1911. Northern Ireland is on track for its eighth driest July, while Scotland has received 72% of its average monthly rainfall, not ranking among its top 10 driest Julys.
Despite one day remaining in July, the Met Office anticipates an exceptionally dry month, with Dr. Emily Carlisle highlighting the significant lack of rainfall, making this one of the driest Julys in nearly two centuries. Water companies currently do not foresee any threat to drinking water supplies, but over 23 million people in England and Wales are facing hosepipe bans.
Aerial images depict the arid landscape in London following prolonged hot weather and dry conditions. Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace gardens show signs of drought, while the Ascot Racecourse remains verdant. Record-breaking temperatures, including a high of 35.2C, were recorded, marking the seventh day in 2026 with temperatures exceeding 35C.
Concerns over wildfires have escalated, with firefighters responding to 393 incidents in July, making it the busiest month on record. The National Trust is calling for action to address climate change impacts, emphasizing the need for resilient landscapes and community support.
The UK Health Security Agency warned of a potential increase in heat-related deaths in 2026, surpassing previous records. Data indicates a rise in excess deaths due to heatwaves compared to the previous year, with over 2,800 heat-associated deaths reported during the heatwaves in May and June.
