Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, A golfing green surrounded by dried grass in Dorset, just one of the areas declared to be in drought on Wednesday
Drought has been declared across more than half of England as hot, dry weather takes its toll on the country's water supplies.
The announcement means there have been three droughts in the past five years - 2022, 2025 and now 2026.
Photos from across the country have captured some of the dry conditions - including receding rivers, parched parks and sportspeople trying to play on.
Image source, Anadolu via Getty ImagesThere is no single definition of drought, but it usually refers to a period of prolonged unusually dry weather that can have impacts on people, nature and the environment.
A lack of rainfall has meant rivers have lowered, including the River Thames, exposing the riverbed in London.
Beauty spots and parks have been left yellow and parched, including London's Greenwich Park, Primrose Hill, Hackney Marshes, Peckham Common and Leyton Flats.
Image source, EPAImage source, EPAImage source, Getty ImagesThe announcement of a drought on Wednesday means there have been three droughts in the past five years – 2022, 2025 and now 2026.
Image source, Getty ImagesImage source, Getty ImagesImage source, Getty ImagesWhile droughts happen naturally, scientists say that climate change is raising the risks, with higher summer temperatures drying out soils more quickly. This can lead to more severe and longer-lasting droughts.
Image source, EPAThe sight of scorched brown leaves has become a familiar view.
Image source, EPAImage source, EPAAnd golfers at Woldingham Golf Club found their normally lush course had turned to patches of green.
Image source, Getty ImagesImage source, Getty ImagesSimilarly, a shrinking island of green was played on by cricketers as Maidenhead & Bray club took on Boyne Hill in the village of Bray in Berkshire.
Image source, EPARelated topicsDroughtHeatwavesUK heatwavesClimateMore on this storyMore than half of England in drought, Environment Agency declares
