The latest report from the Environment Agency says drought is continuing to impact England’s reservoirs after the sixth dry month of 2026, with below average September rainfall compounding drought issues in southern and central England.

The National Drought Group has moved to weekly meetings as drought conditions continue to intensify amid extreme weather, despite the recent rainfall.

The Environment Agency has declared more areas in England in drought after a record dry July - almost three-quarters of England is now in drought as conditions worsen following a dry start to August.

According to provisional Met Office statistics released yesterday, July 2026 has been an exceptional month for the UK's climate statistics, with records challenged or broken for rainfall, temperature and sunshine.

The World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations authoritative voice on weather, climate and water, is warning that the already strong El Niño expected to intensify as much of the world faces above normal temperatures and major changes in rainfall patterns.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) yesterday confirmed that it is extending its drought declaration across the whole of Wales - with very little rainfall and sustained high temperatures over the last week, conditions across Wales’ natural environment have continued to deteriorate.

The Met Office has issued an Amber extreme heat warning for much of southern England and southeastern Wales, with impacts to people and infrastructure possible at the start of next week and water safety a particular concern.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is warning countries across the world that an El Niño extreme weather event is set to arrive in the coming months with 90% certainty.

Next week the cross-party House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee will explore how the UK should adapt to a rapidly heating climate after the UK recorded its highest ever May temperature on Tuesday 26 May.

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is warning in a new report published today that the British way of life is under threat from heat, flooding and drought - and that the UK was built for a climate that no longer exists today.