Suffolk declared a drought as hot weather continues

Seven areas in central, eastern and southern England have been designated as drought zones by the Environment Agency.

The declaration follows record low rain and high temperatures.

Phil Garrigan, chairman of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), said: "More than 200 wildfires in just 12 days shows how quickly the risk can escalate when hot, dry conditions take hold.

"The scenes we’re seeing across parts of Europe are a stark reminder of what a changing climate means for fire and rescue services."

The NFCC has also warned that wildfire risks remain high across the UK, with eight ongoing incidents currently under national monitoring.

There has been a lack of rain across the county, impacting farmers and residents. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chair of the National Drought Group, said: "The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.    

"A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife, and the economy.

"We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture."

The Met Office has forecast that temperatures could reach up to 35C on Wednesday.

The fourth heatwave of the year is expected to peak on Wednesday, and a Met Office assessment showed fires could be “exceptionally severe” by Wednesday if they start in parts of London, the South East and eastern England, as a result of the hot, dry conditions.

Wild fires are impacting people across the country. (Image: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service)

Fire and rescue services in England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires so far in 2026, with 208 incidents recorded between July 16 and 28 alone, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government said: “We’re investing nearly £100 million to help replace assets which can be used to tackle wildfires, including dedicated off-road vehicles which are suitable for England’s landscape.”

The last time a drought was officially declared in Suffolk was 2022, when there was a prolonged period of with little rain between March and August.

This lead to an increase in water usage and a drought plans were declared by 17 of the 18 water companies in the UK.

Reservoir storage levels nationally were down to 49% of capacity by September 2022.

Parts of East Anglia stayed in drought into late 2023 despite a wet autumn relieving some parts of the country.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Will Lang, said: "The warm and exceptionally dry conditions experienced across much of England over recent months are continuing to have a significant impact. Many areas have received very little or no rainfall throughout July, extending a period of below-average rainfall that has persisted across parts of the country since spring.       

"While there are indications of occasional unsettled spells during the first part of August, bringing the chance of rain to some locations, there is currently little sign of the widespread, sustained rainfall that would be needed to make a significant difference to the areas most affected by the dry weather.       

"The Met Office continues to work closely with the Environment Agency and partners across the water sector, providing expert meteorological information and forecasts to support drought monitoring, planning and response activities."