Drought Breaks 190-Year Record as Extreme Temperatures Affect More Than 20 Million People in the United Kingdom

Temperatures in England have exceeded 35 degrees several times this summer. The heat becomes particularly unbearable inside homes without air conditioning, which is considered almost standard in southern Europe and somewhat farther north.

The lack of rainfall in England and Wales has caused the longest and most extreme drought since meteorological records began on the island, breaking a 190-year record. Britain is heading toward its third-driest July, as well as its driest summer nationwide since 1868.

Data from the Met Office, the UK’s national meteorological service, show that only 5.5 millimeters of rain had been recorded in England by July 30. This is half the previous record of 13 millimeters, set in 1911.

A drought has officially been declared across more than half of England. The island’s parks and open spaces, known for their greenery throughout the year, have now turned yellow and look like freshly harvested wheat fields.

Due to the lack of rainfall, restrictions on the use of water for watering household gardens have been introduced across Britain. The drought and high temperatures have affected around 20 million people.

England is approaching a record number of deaths linked to the heat and drought. It is estimated that more than 2,800 people died as a result of the exceptionally hot weather during May and June, when the island was hit by severe heatwaves. This figure is twice the number of deaths recorded throughout last year.

So far this year, Britain has experienced seven days with temperatures above 35 degrees. In just two months, the 1976 record of five days has been surpassed, while the 2020 record has been equaled.

The effects of the prolonged drought are compounded by the fact that the country has historically not installed residential air-conditioning systems on a large scale. Air conditioners remain rare in British homes.

The situation is even more difficult on public transport, particularly on the Underground and bus routes. During the summer, these vehicles resemble enclosed greenhouses used to grow fruit and vegetables in Mediterranean countries.