The combination of low rainfall and prolonged high temperatures – meaning greater evaporation of moisture – has quickly depleted water reserves in soils, vegetation and rivers.
These conditions have led to a “flash drought”, the EA has said. This is where drought conditions begin suddenly rather than over many months or years.
Today’s announcement means there have been three droughts in the past five years – 2022, 2025 and now 2026.
While droughts happen naturally, scientists say that climate change is raising the risks, with higher summer temperatures drying out soils more quickly.
This can lead to more severe and longer-lasting droughts, which have had noticeable effects on wildlife and farming.
Paul Tompkins, deputy president of the National Farmers’ Union of England and Wales (NFU), said: “Farmers and growers have always had to contend with the weather, but what they are experiencing now is climate change in action. More extreme conditions [are] making it harder, riskier and more costly to produce the nation’s food.”
He added the issue of drought is something that “should matter to everyone” as it affects the country’s food security.
Some areas of the country have now entered their fourth heatwave of the year.
Amber and yellow heat health alerts have come into force for parts of the UK, with temperatures potentially peaking at 35C in parts of south-east England on Wednesday.
The hot, dry weather has created ideal conditions for wildfires to spread. The National Fire Chiefs Council has warned that wildfire risk “remains elevated across the UK”.
More than 200 wildfire incidents have been reported in England and Wales over the past two weeks, it said.
The Met Office has separately announced that the new June temperature record set last month was even higher than previously thought, following verification processes.
The previously-reported figure of 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk, on 26 June 2026 has been updated to 38.0C – smashing the UK’s previous June high of 35.6C.
Additional reporting by Jess Carr
