England drought spreads to 45 million as fifth heatwave looms

Drought crisis grows across England

The National Drought Group said the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs had all moved into drought status.

England drought leaves 45 million people affected

The escalation means around 45 million people are now living in drought-hit regions, with 27 million already under water-use restrictions. Nine water companies have imposed hosepipe bans this summer, and you can check the full list of hosepipe ban areas to see where restrictions apply.

Southern Water has applied for a drought order that could stop businesses filling private swimming pools and washing cars in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

England recorded its driest July since records began in 1836, and the National Farmers' Union has warned that continued dry weather could lead to food shortages after the earliest harvests in 20 years.

"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."

— Tony Grayling, Environment Agency strategic drought lead and chair of the National Drought Group

Forecasters expect the mercury to climb into the mid-30s from Wednesday, with the Met Office flagging a chance of 36C in parts of the Midlands and along the M4 corridor.

With amber heat health alerts in force across England, water companies say further restrictions cannot be ruled out until sustained rainfall returns.