In 2022 England experienced its driest July since 1935, with a record-breaking heatwave that saw temperatures reach over 40°C, and lower than average rainfall across much of the country. The Met Office announced this week that there is a 50/50 chance of seeing temperatures rise to 40C again in the next 12 years.
An official drought was declared this year in the north-west of England on 21 May, while the latest region to enter drought status was Yorkshire, on 12 June. It is believed spring 2025 was one of the driest on record, with 22 days of almost no recorded rainfall in May. Yorkshire received 66 per cent of the long-term average May rainfall while England has experienced its driest spring since 1893.
June was England's warmest on record, according to the Met Office, and was the UK's second warmest since 1884. Yorkshire Water announced a hosepipe ban from Friday 11 July.
More on drought tolerant gardens
- Is drought tolerant planting realistic in the UK?
- The best drought tolerant plants
- Adapting to drought: how we should be gardening
Here's everything you need to know about drought and our gardens.
Are we facing a drought in the UK?
So far there are two regions in the UK that have are officially in drought. Yorkshire has become the second region to enter drought status following the driest spring in 132 years. The Enviroment Agency announced the change in status on 12 June, following declining river flows and groundwater levels due to the dry March, April and May. The north-west of England went into drought status on 21 May.
Yorkshire received 66 per cent of the long-term average May rainfall and the area recorded its driest spring in 132 years, and received just 15cm of rainfall between February and June.
England experienced its driest spring since 1893 and June was England's warmest on record.
Across the country, England has only seen 57 per cent of the long-term average rainfall for May. Three areas - the north-east, east and west midlands – are also experiencing prolonged dry weather.
Is there a hosepipe ban in the UK?
Yes, a hosepipe ban has been announced by Yorkshire Water to come into effect from 11 July.
Here's everything you need to know about hosepipe bans.
How to look after your garden during dry weather
Save water During this period of prolonged dry weather, gardeners are being encouraged to use water wisely to protect water supplies and the environment. This involves avoiding use of hosepipes and sprinklers, opting instead for watering cans filled with water from a water butt, or reusing grey water. Read more water-saving ideas.
Water your plants at the right time of day During hot weather it's important to water your plants at the right time of day – first thing in the morning or in the evening – avoiding full sun when the water will evaporate quickly from the soil.
Don't water your lawn A yellow, parched lawn might not look very attractive but grasses are hardy plants that can endure dry spells and will bounce back once cooler, wetter weather reappears.
Plant drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants such as salvias, phlomis and euphorbias are resilient, reliable plants that require very little water and can give your garden a beautifully Mediterranean aesthetic.
Start making long-term changes now With the effects of Climate Change it's believed the UK could experience more extremes of dry hot weather in summer and wet weather in winter. Read our feature about what you can do in your garden to help adapt to these changes.