In pictures: Scale of drought across England as rivers dry up

Drought has been declared across more than half of England as hot, dry weather takes its toll on the country’s water supplies.

The announcement means there have been three droughts in the past five years – 2022, 2025 and now 2026.

Photos from across the country have captured some of the dry conditions – including receding rivers, parched parks and sportspeople trying to play on.