Nationwide water deficit deemed 'significant'; amber health alert due to heat anticipated
England Faces Severe Drought and Record-Breaking Heatwave
England is currently enduring one of its hottest summers on record in 2025, with persistent above-average temperatures causing numerous heatwaves, particularly affecting central and southern regions. The mean temperature since June 1 has been 16.2°C, which is 1.6°C above the long-term average, and peak temperatures have reached up to 35.8°C[1].
This extreme heat has led to multiple areas being officially classified as drought zones, with significant water scarcity affecting agriculture and natural environments[2]. England faces "nationally significant" water shortfalls despite some rainfall in July. Five areas remain in official drought, with six additional regions under prolonged dry weather status.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) has reported a significant drop in yields due to water shortages, which could impact the UK's overall harvest[3]. The dry weather is also impacting the health of waterways, reducing oxygen levels, causing fish deaths, more algae growth, and preventing wildlife from moving up or downstream.
Reservoirs across England fell by 2% last week and are now 67.7% full on average. The lowest reservoirs are Blithfield (49.1%), Derwent Valley (47.2%), Chew Valley Lake (48.3%), and Blagdon (46.3%)[4]. Navigation closures or restrictions have been implemented across sections of the Leeds and Liverpool, Macclesfield, Trent and Mersey, Peak Forest, Rochdale, Oxford, and Grand Union Canal.
Water minister Emma Hardy is urging water companies to take action to follow their drought plans and is holding them accountable if they delay[5]. NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos has urged investment in water infrastructure and a more effective planning system to avoid extreme drought and secure water supplies for food production[6].
The government is "urgently stepping up its response" to the dry weather, including investment in new reservoirs. Yorkshire Water has a hosepipe ban in place for all its customers. Thames, South East, and Southern Water have postcode-specific bans[4].
The hot and dry conditions have led to warnings of wildfires, following blazes near Wimborne in Dorset and at Edinburgh's Arthur's Seat over the weekend. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has provided tips for staying cool during the heatwave, including closing windows and curtains, seeking shade, using sunscreen, and restricting physical activity to the cooler mornings or evenings[7].
The dry weather in July resulted in the Wye and Ely Ouse rivers being the lowest on record. This is the sixth consecutive month of below-average rainfall. Areas in prolonged dry weather include Northeast, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, East Anglia, Thames, Wessex, Solent and South Downs[2].
The minister warned that the UK faces a growing water shortage in the next decade. The government is advising the public to conserve water wherever possible to help alleviate the current crisis. As the summer continues, it is crucial for everyone to stay vigilant, follow government advice, and prioritise water conservation to help protect both the environment and the UK's food supply.
[1] Met Office (2025). [Summer 2025 weather update]. [online] Available at: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/2025/summer
[2] Environment Agency (2025). [Drought update]. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/drought-update-july-2025
[3] NFU (2025). [NFU calls for investment in water infrastructure to avoid extreme drought and secure water supplies for food production]. [online] Available at: https://www.nfuonline.com/news/nfu-calls-for-investment-in-water-infrastructure-to-avoid-extreme-drought-and-secure-water-supplies-for-food-production/
[4] Water UK (2025). [Water companies urge customers to use water wisely as England faces severe drought]. [online] Available at: https://www.wateruk.org/news-and-insight/press-releases/water-companies-urge-customers-to-use-water-wisely-as-england-faces-severe-drought
[5] DEFRA (2025). [Water minister Emma Hardy urges water companies to follow drought plans]. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/water-minister-emma-hardy-urges-water-companies-to-follow-drought-plans
[6] NFU (2025). [NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos urges investment in water infrastructure and a more effective planning system to avoid extreme drought and secure water supplies for food production]. [online] Available at: https://www.nfuonline.com/news/nfu-vice-president-rachel-hallos-urges-investment-in-water-infrastructure-and-a-more-effective-planning-system-to-avoid-extreme-drought-and-secure-water-supplies-for-food-production/
[7] UKHSA (2025). [Tips for staying cool during the heatwave]. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tips-for-staying-cool-during-the-heatwave/tips-for-staying-cool-during-the-heatwave
- The record-breaking heatwave in England contributes to the escalating problem of wildfires, as seen in recent incidents near Wimborne in Dorset and at Edinburgh's Arthur's Seat.
- The extreme heatwave, leading to severe drought and water shortages, exacerbates the need for investment in environmental-science solutions, such as new reservoirs and water infrastructure, to ensure a secure water supply for agriculture and food production.
- Climate-change induced factors like rising temperatures and below-average rainfall have caused multiple regions in England to experience wildfires, droughts, and harmful impacts on both natural environments and waterways, urging the need for scientific research and effective planning to combat these challenges.
