UK: About 45 million people living in drought-affected areas

More than two-thirds of England is now officially in drought after the country recorded its driest July since records began in 1836.

The East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Kent and East Sussex, and Solent and the South Downs were moved into drought status on Monday.

They join around half of England and the whole of Wales, already affected by drought conditions.

The decision was made by the National Drought Group, which brings together regulators, government officials, water companies and agricultural organizations.

“Along with the areas announced last week, most of the country (71.3%) is now experiencing a flash drought – which develops very quickly, brought about by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures,” it said.

More than 27 million are facing water use restrictions, it noted.