News · 17 July 2026
Central and southeast England see longest dry spell this century

Parts of central and southeast England experienced their longest unbroken dry spell this century, with no rain recorded for 14 consecutive days between July 2 and July 15. The dry period follows three heatwaves and has led to hosepipe bans for over eight million households in England. The Met Office warns that "climate extremes are becoming the new normal" for the UK.
Reported by Independent · How we write briefs
