The Environment Agency has declared seven areas of England in drought following record low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures. Affected regions include East Anglia, London, the Thames Valley, and parts of the South West. The drought, exacerbated by three consecutive summers of dry weather, has led to low river levels, early crop harvesting, and increased wildfire risks. The agency has intensified monitoring and restricted water abstraction to protect supplies. Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the need for long-term infrastructure investments, including nine new reservoirs. Farmers and water companies face stricter leak reduction targets, while 23 million customers are under temporary water use bans. Met Office forecasts indicate no significant rainfall relief in the near term, with ongoing dry conditions expected to strain ecosystems and agriculture.
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