A UK government press release published on 20 August 2026 said the National Drought Group had moved to weekly meetings as drought conditions intensified despite recent rainfall. The expert group, which includes the Met Office, regulators, water companies, farmers and conservation bodies, met that afternoon after a COBR meeting chaired by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

According to the release, 71.3% of England was in drought, with the south and midlands affected and the north in prolonged dry weather. It said reservoir levels had fallen to 62.6%, 16.3% lower than expected for the time of year, and that 50% of river flows were classed as notably or exceptionally low. August had seen 17% of average rainfall up to the 18th. Nine water companies had imposed restrictions affecting 29 million customers. The Environment Agency said it had recorded 226 drought-linked incidents and applied for a Drought Order to reduce abstraction from the River Severn.

The release cited a £65million package for farmers, including £15 million for around 100 new reservoirs, and at least £10.5 billion in flood and coastal erosion investment by March 2036. A UKCEH hydrologist said recovery would take months and that river flows would likely remain low into the new year, especially in the south east.