England drought declared across 71.3% of the country

drought water restrictions climate change heatwave England

Drought conditions have been officially declared across 71.3% of England, according to the UK Environment Agency. The expansion of the drought zone follows the driest July on record for England and Wales, with some regions in southeast England receiving only 1% of their average rainfall.

The crisis affects approximately 45 million people, or roughly 80% of the English population. Currently, more than 27 million people are under water usage restrictions. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) characterized the situation as a 'sudden drought' driven by low precipitation and high temperatures.

Tony Grayling, Chair of the National Drought Group, has called for public cooperation to reduce water consumption to preserve remaining reserves. The combination of drought and high temperatures has also increased wildfire risks, evidenced by the deployment of over 120 firefighters to a blaze in the New Forest. Forecasts indicate a potential fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius in some areas mid-week.

Entities

Defra · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · England · Environment Agency · New Forest · Tony Grayling · Tory Greyling

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Temperatures are expected to reach up to 35 degrees Celsius in some areas mid-week. www.businessdaily.gr · www.protothema.gr · www.efsyn.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] England and Wales recorded their driest July on record. gr.euronews.com · www.businessdaily.gr · www.efsyn.gr · www.protothema.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The drought affects approximately 45 million people, representing 80% of the population in England. www.businessdaily.gr · www.protothema.gr · www.efsyn.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Over 120 firefighters were deployed to combat a fire in the New Forest in southern England. www.businessdaily.gr · www.protothema.gr · www.efsyn.gr
[● 5 SOURCES] 71.3% of England is currently experiencing drought conditions. www.businessdaily.gr · gr.euronews.com · www.protothema.gr · www.benguturk.com · www.efsyn.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Over 27 million people are subject to water usage restrictions. www.businessdaily.gr · www.protothema.gr · www.efsyn.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The Isle of Wight has gone 59 days without rainfall. www.businessdaily.gr · www.protothema.gr · www.efsyn.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reported that much of England is experiencing a 'sudden drought'. gr.euronews.com