July set to be driest on record for England and Wales after relentless heatwaves

July is set to be the driest month on record for England and Wales, with half of England and all of Wales officially in drought. Extreme heatwaves, intensified by the climate crisis, have caused record temperatures and minimal rainfall, particularly in southern England. These conditions have fuelled significant wildfires and depleted water sources for farmers, wildlife, and protected habitats. The Met Office and Environment Agency confirmed these critical levels following four major heatwaves since May.