In 2022 England experienced its driest July since 1935, with a record-breaking heatwave that saw temperatures reach over 40°C, and lower than average rainfall across much of the country. Earlier in 2025, the Met Office announced this week that there is a 50/50 chance of seeing temperatures rise to 40C again in the next 12 years. This month will see the fourth heatwave of the year and July this year was the fifth warmest on record.
More on drought tolerant gardens
- Is drought tolerant planting realistic in the UK?
- The best drought tolerant plants
- Adapting to drought: how we should be gardening
The water shortfall in England has been described as a 'nationally significant incident', following a meeting of the National Drought Group this week and there are five areas of the country officially in drought. The first official drought was declared this year in the north-west of England on 21 May, while the areas now in official drought are Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire, Greater Manchester Merseyside and Cheshire, East Midlands and West Midlands. It is believed spring 2025 was one of the driest on record, with 22 days of almost no recorded rainfall in May. Yorkshire received 66 per cent of the long-term average May rainfall while England has experienced its driest spring since 1893.
June was England's warmest on record, according to the Met Office, and was the UK's second warmest since 1884. There is an amber alert in force, which covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London and the South East, with temperatures forecast to rise above 30C.
Yorkshire Water announced the country's first hosepipe ban from Friday 11 July.
Here's everything you need to know about drought and our gardens.
Are we facing a drought in the UK?
Yes. Following the driest spring in 132 years, there are five areas in the UK officially in drought: Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire, Greater Manchester Merseyside and Cheshire, East Midlands and West Midlands.
Yorkshire received 66 per cent of the long-term average May rainfall and the area recorded its driest spring in 132 years, and received just 15cm of rainfall between February and June.
England experienced its driest spring since 1893 and June was England's warmest on record.
Across the country, England has only seen 57 per cent of the long-term average rainfall for May.
Is there a hosepipe ban in the UK?
Yes, hosepipe bans have been announced by, Thames Water, South East Water, Southern Water and Yorkshire Water.
Here's everything you need to know about hosepipe bans.
How to look after your garden during dry weather
Save water During this period of prolonged dry weather, gardeners are being encouraged to use water wisely to protect water supplies and the environment. This involves avoiding use of hosepipes and sprinklers, opting instead for watering cans filled with water from a water butt, or reusing grey water. Read more water-saving ideas.
Water your plants at the right time of day During hot weather it's important to water your plants at the right time of day – first thing in the morning or in the evening – avoiding full sun when the water will evaporate quickly from the soil.
Don't water your lawn A yellow, parched lawn might not look very attractive but grasses are hardy plants that can endure dry spells and will bounce back once cooler, wetter weather reappears.
Plant drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants such as salvias, phlomis and euphorbias are resilient, reliable plants that require very little water and can give your garden a beautifully Mediterranean aesthetic.
Start making long-term changes now With the effects of Climate Change it's believed the UK could experience more extremes of dry hot weather in summer and wet weather in winter. Read our feature about what you can do in your garden to help adapt to these changes.