Western Australia experienced one of its driest Julys on record, with Perth and the South West receiving less than half their average rainfall due to stubborn high-pressure systems blocking cold fronts. This led to unseasonably warm days and dry paddocks.
England and Wales are experiencing their driest July in 190 years, with official drought declarations across much of the UK. This has led to widespread hosepipe bans, increased wildfire risks, and a significant rise in heat-related deaths, particularly in England.
Parts of Wales, including north Wales and Upper Severn, are officially in drought due to record-low river flows and heatwaves, with July set to be the driest in nearly 200 years. This follows similar declarations in England and comes amid wider European drought intensified by climate change, impacting wildlife, farming, and prompting water restrictions.
