ELEVEN regions across England have been hit by flash drought this summer, as the country braces for the fifth heatwave of the year.

Temperatures are set to soar as high as 36C this week, while 45 million Brits continue to combat the prolonged dry conditions.

Two people sitting on a bench in a field of dry, yellowed grass in London.11 English regions are now facing drought conditions after a summer of dry weather Credit: EPA

Nearly three-quarters of England, and the entirety of Wales, have now declared drought as dry continue.

Yesterday, the whole of the East Midlands, Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire, Kent & East Sussex, and Solent & the South Downs were classified as drought areas, joining seven other locations.

The North East and Yorkshire have also been moved into the prolonged dry category, the stage before drought.

Around 45 million people in England are now experiencing a flash drought – a rapid and intense dry spell provoked by ongoing dry conditions and high temperatures.

In response to the dry conditions, over 27 million Brits are currently under restrictions, with nine water companies enforcing these rules to prevent unnecessary water usage.

According to the National Drought Group, England is facing its driest July since records began in 1836, with parts of Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex not having a rain day for 59 days.

This comes as Brits brace for the fifth of the year, with the mercury set to hit 36C later this week.

Today, the has introduced an amber heat health alert in parts of the country, which will remain in place until Friday evening.

Illustration of a map of England showing regions affected by flash drought and prolonged dry weather.11 areas in England are facing flash drought, as the rest of the country deals with prolonged dry weather

Full list of regions experiencing drought and prolonged dry weather

Areas currently in drought are:

  • East Anglia
  • Hertfordshire
  • London
  • Thames Valley
  • Devon & Cornwall
  • Wessex (covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and south Gloucestershire)
  • The West Midlands
  • East Midlands
  • Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire
  • Kent & East Sussex
  • Solent & the South Downs

Areas in prolonged dry weather are:

  • Cumbria & Lancashire,
  • Greater Manchester, Merseyside & Cheshire,
  • North East
  • Yorkshire

An warning will be in place for parts of the country on Thursday, with parts of the UK expected to reach the mid-30s during the day.

Tony Grayling, chair of the National Drought Group, said: “Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall.

“We know the hot and dry weather is taking a real toll on farming and there will be long-lasting impacts on our environment.”

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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