DROUGHT ALERT IN THE UK: FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR IS THE DRIEST SINCE 1976

Five regions of England are facing drought issues of "national importance" after the first half of 2025 was the driest since 1976. The crisis has depleted reservoirs, damaged agriculture, and prompted authorities to call for more responsible water management.

An unprecedented warning has been issued about the risk of water shortages in five regions of England. A report released by the Environment Agency, the public body responsible for environmental emergencies in the UK, has classified the drought problems as being of "national importance."

The report confirms that the first six months of 2025 were the driest and least rainy on the island in almost half a century, specifically since 1976. This has led to a partial depletion of water reservoirs, a decrease in water resources, and damage to agricultural crops. This situation has been corroborated by British farming organizations, with Helen Wakeham, Vice President of the National Farmers Union, calling for a general reduction in water pressure for irrigation and other uses to curb consumption.

Rachel Hallos, head of water at the Environment Agency, spoke of "increasing alarms" in some regions due to "extreme drought conditions" by British standards. England's reservoirs are currently only at 67.7% capacity, compared to an average of over 80% in the first week of August in previous years. About half of the country's rivers and watercourses are now below their usual levels, following a spring with the least rainfall in 100 years.

A Future with Less and Less Water

"In the next decade, we will have to face a growing water shortage," admitted Deputy Environment Minister Emma Hardy. Her statement comes as several scientists link the phenomenon to global climate change. She reiterated the Labour government's intention to build new reservoirs and basins to address the crisis.