England faces widespread drought by September: Environment Agency
Heatwave hosepipe ban: Police warn public not to call them about rulebreakers
The Environment Agency has warned that England could face widespread drought conditions by September, with up to five additional regions potentially being declared drought zones.
Three areas are currently experiencing drought, and three water companies have already implemented hosepipe bans following one of the UK’s driest springs on record.
Under a "reasonable worst-case scenario", the total number of drought-affected areas could reach eight by the end of summer, potentially impacting millions more people across the Midlands and central southern regions.
The National Drought Group is set to meet to discuss the escalating situation, as Thames Water becomes the latest utility to announce a hosepipe ban.
Scientists attribute the recent extreme conditions to human-caused climate change, leading to significant impacts on farmers, the environment, and waterways.