More than 70 percent of England affected by drought as heatwave looms

England is grappling with a severe drought, with over 71.3 percent of the country now officially in a drought state, according to the government. The situation has deteriorated following a dry start to August, leaving parks and fields parched and river levels critically low.

This extreme dry spell is particularly notable for England, a nation typically known for its damp climate. Farmers are warning of potential food shortages as crops suffer from the lack of rain. The dry conditions have prompted authorities to implement numerous restrictions for both farmers and the public, including bans on using garden hoses to water plants in some areas. Approximately 27 million Britons are affected by these water restrictions.

Compounding the issue, the country is anticipating its fifth heatwave of the year, with no significant rainfall predicted in the coming days. Data from the UK's Met Office revealed that July saw the lowest rainfall on record for England and Wales, with England receiving only 10 percent of its usual monthly precipitation.

The drought is not confined to England; other parts of Europe are also experiencing extreme dryness. An analysis by AFP, using data from the European Drought Observatory, indicated that 95 percent of mainland France and 99 percent of Switzerland faced drought conditions in July. This widespread dryness has led to drastically reduced levels in major European rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Elbe, and Vistula.