A record dry month
July was the driest month in southern England since records began, according to weather officials. Rainfall across the region came in far below normal, and repeated heatwaves left the landscape parched. Rivers ran low, reservoirs shrank, and the green fields that usually cover the south turned brown.
The dry spell is part of a wider pattern across Europe. Much of the continent has baked under hot, dry weather for weeks. Wildfires have burned across France and Greece, forcing evacuations and destroying homes. In Britain, the heat has been less dramatic but the effect on water supplies has been steady and severe.
Farmers warn of food shortages
Farmers in southern England say the drought is hurting crops and livestock. Vegetables need regular water to grow, and many fields have not had enough. Some growers have warned that harvests will be smaller and that Britain could face food shortages as the drought continues.
Water companies have started to act. Several have introduced hosepipe bans and other restrictions to slow the drain on supplies. Officials say more restrictions could follow if the dry weather continues into August. The government has urged people to use less water while it monitors the situation.
What comes next
Experts say the region needs sustained rainfall to recover before the autumn. A few scattered showers will not be enough to refill reservoirs or restore soil moisture after weeks of drought. Forecasters say the coming weeks will be warm, with no clear sign of prolonged rain.
Longer term, scientists say heatwaves and dry spells are becoming more frequent as the climate warms. Cities are also part of the problem: pavement and buildings trap heat and make hot days harder to bear. Campaigners have called for more shade, more green space, and faster action on emissions. For now, southern England is waiting for rain.