WETTEST WEEK SINCE FEBRUARY FAILS TO END ENGLAND DROUGHT

The week from 28 August to 3 September brought the heaviest rainfall to England since early February, with totals ranging from 26mm in south-east England to 48mm in central England, according to the Environment Agency. Despite this precipitation, all of Wales and most of England remain in drought status, with ten water company areas continuing to enforce temporary hosepipe bans. The National Drought Group reported that water storage continued to decline at most reservoirs, as demand exceeded recharge rates. The Environment Agency stated that "further significant rainfall is needed" to reverse drought conditions and allow water companies to return to normal operations.

England experienced its hottest summer on record in 2026, with an average temperature of 16.5°C across June, July and August, surpassing the previous record of 16.1°C set in 2025. July was the driest month since records began, with only 7mm of rain measured—10 per cent of the long-term average. Areas including East Anglia, Thames, Devon, Cornwall, the West Midlands, Wessex, Kent and the East Midlands remained under drought declaration. Some agricultural pressures have eased following the recent rainfall, though temperatures briefly returned to around 28°C over the weekend before cooler conditions returned at the start of meteorological autumn.

Further rain was forecast for the week ahead, with parts of the Midlands and eastern England potentially receiving a few millimetres, and up to 15mm expected around southern English counties. The Met Office recorded southern England as experiencing a "very wet morning" with additional showers forecast for the afternoon. The Environment Agency's drought status remained unchanged as of the time of reporting.