Drought across seven areas of England

Wat er veranderde

• 55 properties were flooded by Perry Brook in Perry Barr
• Flooding began around 7:15pm on 26 August with up to an inch of rain falling quickly and up to 10 inches of water in homes
• Rail lines were blocked at Hall Green and Solihull with replacement buses running
• 40 flood alerts were issued with most of England and all of Wales in drought after five heatwaves

Toen nog open

• No verified rainfall totals beyond the initial burst and warning range have been established in the sources reviewed
• The full cost to flooded households and businesses has not yet been counted

Waar we op zouden letten

• Whether further thundery showers bring renewed flooding as clear-up continues
• What longer-term protection is planned for low ground near Perry Brook

Wat er veranderde

• Temporary restrictions came into force at 12.01am on 8 August after prolonged dry weather and rising pressure on supplies.
• Nearly two million more Brits were put under a hosepipe ban from the night of 7 August amid record-breaking drought.
• South West Water became the ninth water company to impose restrictions after the driest July on record.
• By 10 August 71.3% of England was in drought, with all regions under pressure on water resources.

Toen nog open

• No verified verbatim South West Water statement, reservoir storage percentage, or farm and canal detail is present in the supplied extracts.
• No confirmed end date, exception list detail, or enforcement figures can be stated from the supplied extracts.

Waar we op zouden letten

• Whether the 7 to 13 August drought summary shows further deterioration after the ban took effect.
• Whether additional companies follow the ninth restriction if heat in the mid-30s returns without meaningful rain.

Wat we eerst wisten

• On 29 July 2026 drought was declared across seven areas covering roughly half of England.
• July 2026 saw about 7% of expected rain nationwide and 1% in parts of southern England.
• Hosepipe bans already affect millions, with further limits possible.
• On 30 July 2026 drought was extended across the whole of Wales.

Toen nog open

• No confirmed picture in this file for Scotland or Northern Ireland water conditions.
• No verified details on next-stage curbs for farmers and industry.

Waar we op zouden letten

• Whether hosepipe bans widen into broader household and business restrictions.
• Whether early harvests and dry fields translate into higher food prices.