England is drying out 😬⁠ ⁠ Half of England has officially been declared in drought after record low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures.⁠ ⁠ Seven areas are now in drought, including London, the Thames Valley, East Anglia and parts of the South West, with millions of people already facing restrictions on water use.⁠ ⁠ The Environment Agency said July has seen just 7% of its expected rainfall, with some parts of southern England receiving as little as 1%. Rivers are running low, reservoirs have fallen below average levels and wildfire risk is increasing.⁠ ⁠ Officials are urging people to use water carefully, with seven water companies already introducing hosepipe bans affecting around 23 million customers.⁠ ⁠ The government has also warned that droughts are becoming more common as the climate changes, with this marking England's third drought in the past five years.⁠ ⁠ #Drought #UkSummer #LADbible