# Half of England plunges into ‘flash drought’ after low rain and hot weather

By Rachael Madeley-Davies — 2026-07-29

Rachael Madeley-Davies, head of environment at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), said: “Farmers are entering the fourth heatwave within two months in many areas of the UK, with the declaration of drought in half of England reflecting the ongoing challenges that British farmers are facing.

“Farmers are continuing to face forage shortages, water limitations, impacts on yield, and the ongoing threat of fire amongst others challenges that the continued dry and hot weather has brought.

“The frequency and severity of the weather patterns we are now experiencing amplify the need for British agriculture to adapt to our rapidly changing climate to build greater resilience, in particular how we navigate pro-longed dry and hot periods during the spring and summer months.”

Canonical: https://experts.pressassociation.com/expert/58/views/ad60b8a02153ebe5