Driest July on Record Hits England and Wales 2026

England and Wales have experienced their driest July on record, with England receiving just 6.5mm of rainfall—only 10% of its long-term average. This extreme dry spell has raised concerns over water resources, agriculture, and wildfire risks across the region.

Record-Breaking Dry July: Key Statistics

According to the Met Office, England's July rainfall was the lowest since records began in 1836. Wales also set a new record, while Northern Ireland saw its eighth driest July. Scotland, although not breaking records, received only 69% of its average rainfall.

The driest areas were in southern England, with parts of the Sussex coast receiving less than 0.2mm of rain. This has led to extremely low soil moisture, allowing temperatures to soar into the high 30s Celsius.

Forecast: Little Rain on the Horizon

Looking ahead, most of southern England may see only isolated showers for the rest of August. Forecast models have repeatedly hinted at unsettled weather reaching the southeast, but rain has consistently stayed in northwestern Britain. The risk of the dry period persisting remains high due to uncertainty in long-range forecasts.

Atlantic Disturbance and Hurricane Watch

Meanwhile, a disturbance in the Atlantic, about 1,000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles, has an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression within 48 hours. If it strengthens, it could become the fourth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, named Dolly. Even without development, gusty winds and heavy rain are expected in the Lesser Antilles.

This year's strong El Niño is likely to suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic, but it also influences global weather patterns, potentially exacerbating dry conditions in some regions and monsoon floods in others.

Impacts and Preparedness

The drought has significant implications for farming, water supply, and wildfire risk. Authorities are urging water conservation and monitoring vulnerable areas. In India, the monsoon has caused devastating floods in Assam, highlighting the contrast between extreme wet and dry events worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• England and Wales recorded their driest July ever, with England at 10% of normal rainfall.
• Southern England is most affected, with some areas receiving less than 0.2mm.
• Forecast models show limited rain for the southeast for the rest of August.
• An Atlantic disturbance may become Tropical Storm Dolly, but El Niño may limit hurricane activity.
• Drought conditions raise risks for agriculture, water supply, and wildfires.

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