England and Wales record driest July since 1911, Met Office confirms
Provisional data shows rainfall in England was less than half the previous low, with half the country now in drought
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England and Wales have experienced the driest July since records began, the Met Office confirmed on 31 July. Provisional figures show England received just 5.6mm of rainfall during the month, less than half the previous record of 13.4mm set in 1911.
The Met Office said the month was defined by an “exceptional combination of extreme heat, abundant sunshine and an almost complete absence of rainfall”. The data covers the entire country, with Wales also recording historically low precipitation levels.
London Drought Declared Amid Heatwave and Fires
Temperatures hit 34.4°C in Heathrow as two grass fires broke out in Romford.
Drought declared across half of England
Half of England and the whole of Wales are now officially in drought, authorities confirmed. Successive heatwaves have depleted water resources, with no significant rainfall forecast in the immediate future. The Environment Agency has not yet announced specific restrictions for households, but water companies are monitoring supplies closely.
Photographs published by MyLondon show the impact on London’s parks. Primrose Hill, Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park appear scorched, with grass turning brown and brittle. Trees remain green, but open areas show clear signs of stress from the prolonged dry conditions.
London's only safe Thames bathing spot open
The River Thames at Ham in Kingston is designated for safe swimming during the current heatwave.
What happens next
The Met Office has not released a long-term forecast for August, but current models suggest no immediate relief from dry conditions. Water companies are expected to issue updates on potential usage restrictions in the coming weeks. Residents in affected areas are advised to follow guidance from their local suppliers.
Questions this report answers
+How much rainfall did England get in July 2026?
England recorded just 5.6mm of rainfall in July 2026, the lowest since records began in 1911. This is less than half the previous record of 13.4mm set in 1911, according to the Met Office.
+Which areas are officially in drought?
Half of England and the whole of Wales are officially in drought, as confirmed by authorities. Successive heatwaves and minimal rainfall have led to this classification, affecting water resources across both nations.
+What does the drought mean for residents?
No household water restrictions have been announced yet, but water companies are monitoring supplies closely. Residents in affected areas should follow updates from their local suppliers for potential usage guidelines in the coming weeks.
+Will there be more rain soon?
The Met Office has not released a long-term forecast for August 2026. Current models suggest no immediate relief from dry conditions, but residents should check for updates as the situation develops.
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