England and Wales are experiencing the driest July on record, with widespread drought due to extreme temperatures. The Environment Agency reports that half of England is facing drought conditions, while all areas in Wales are similarly affected, marking the third occurrence in the past five years.
The scorching weather has led to fields and lawns turning brown, exacerbated by four heatwaves since May, resulting in wildfires across the UK. The Met Office describes the conditions as “remarkable”, with July characterized by extreme heat, abundant sunshine, and minimal rainfall.
Preliminary data shows that England has received only 5.6mm of rainfall in July, less than half of the previous record set in 1911. Similarly, Wales is tracking its driest July with 7.9mm of rainfall, a fraction of the previous record from 1911. While Northern Ireland is experiencing its eighth driest July, the UK as a whole is on track for the third driest month. Scotland, however, has received 72% of its average rainfall for July and is not among the top 10 driest Julys.
Although the figures were released with one day left in July, the Met Office emphasizes the exceptionally dry conditions, attributing them to a prolonged heatwave and minimal rainfall. Water companies assure no immediate threat to drinking water supplies due to adequate reservoir levels from record winter rainfall, but over 23 million people in England and Wales are facing hosepipe bans.
Aerial images show the dry landscape in London, with grass turning brown in gardens of Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace. Ascot Racecourse appears to be one of the few areas still lush. Record temperatures, reaching 35.2C on Wednesday, mark the seventh day in 2026 with temperatures above 35C.
Firefighters are combating wildfires across England and Wales, making July the busiest month on record for such incidents. The National Trust is urging action to adapt to climate change, including building resilient homes and landscapes.
The UK Health Security Agency warns of potentially record-high heat-related deaths in 2026, surpassing previous years. The data indicates a significant increase in heat-related deaths this year compared to last summer, with over 2,800 deaths during heatwaves in May and June.
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