Get the app →
BriefTea logoBriefTea

Every story in sixty words

Get the free app no ads · no paywall

News · 17 July 2026

Central and southeast England see longest dry spell this century

Central and southeast England see longest dry spell this century

Image by kwanchaichaiudom on Freepik

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

Understand this story

What's a dry spell?

More briefs

PoliticsSpeaking Skills Get Equal Status to Reading and Writing in Schools GeneralLondon temperatures falling to 13C by Sunday as wet, windy weather arrives PoliticsUK could get 'Switzerland plus' EU deal, says senior MEP GeneralBurnham offers to help Scotland decentralise power. SportsChelsea Captain Reece James Has Knee Surgery WorldLe Pen Vows to Cut France's Aid to Ukraine If Elected Browse all stories →