Kirklees placed under “prolonged dry weather” status, Environment Agency says
Kirklees has been placed under “prolonged dry weather” status, the Environment Agency (EA) has announced.
The EA announced this week that Kirklees — along with the rest of Yorkshire — and the North East had been moved into the “prolonged dry weather” status, joining Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.
It means Kirklees and those areas have now entered the stage before drought.
It follows England’s driest July since records began in 1836, with almost three quarters of the country now in drought.
Tony Grayling, Strategic Drought Lead at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, said: “Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall.
“We know the hot and dry weather is taking a real toll on farming and there will be long-lasting impacts on our environment.
“We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated over the summer, but we need everyone’s help in using a little less water to make sure our current water reserves last. Every drop we can save is a drop more for your local farmers, local wildlife and local rivers.”
Head of Environment and Energy at the Met Office, Sarah Davies, said: "July 2026 was one of the most remarkable months in the UK's climate record.
"England and Wales both recorded their driest and sunniest July on record, together with periods of exceptionally high temperatures.
"These conditions have significantly increased pressure on water resources in some parts of the country and contributed to the ongoing drought concerns.
"Looking ahead, forecasts for the remainder of August and into September suggest a good deal of dry weather is expected, mixed with some unsettled spells.
"While some areas may see useful rainfall at times, there is currently no strong signal for a sustained period of widespread rainfall, with below average rainfall more likely than above-average for the period as a whole.
"The Met Office will continue to work closely with partners through the National Drought Group, providing forecasts and climate intelligence to support planning and decision-making as conditions evolve."
More information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency