Drought

The Vistula River in Warsaw has reached a record low water level amid an extended drought, raising alarm about water supply, river navigation, and the ecological state of Poland's most important waterway.

The Met Office has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings for northern England, Northern Ireland and eastern Scotland, with flash flooding risk as heavy rain arrives after almost two months of dry weather.

Germany's worst drought summer is killing city trees that serve as vital natural air conditioners. Scientists explain how citizens can save them.

A severe drought has driven Rhine water levels near Kaub to just 16 centimetres above gauge zero, potentially cutting the river in two and slashing cargo capacity to one-fifth of normal — a major blow to Germany's industrial supply chain.

With no significant rain forecast and the fifth heatwave of 2026 building, more areas of England are expected to be declared in drought as water pressure mounts.

July 2026 was the driest July on record for England and Wales, with the month also proving exceptionally warm and sunny across most of the United Kingdom.