(Image: Yui Mok/PA)
A drought covering nearly three-quarters of England is now threatening water supplies, farming, and wildlife.
The conditions, described as a "flash drought" by the National Drought Group, follow the driest July in 190 years and have left rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater dangerously depleted.
Tony Grayling, strategic drought lead at the Environment Agency and chair of the National Drought Group, said: "Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall.
"We know the hot and dry weather is taking a real toll on farming and there will be long-lasting impacts on our environment.
"We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated over the summer, but we need everyone’s help in using a little less water to make sure our current water reserves last.
"Every drop we can save is a drop more for your local farmers, local wildlife, and local rivers."
More than 27 million people are now living under water use restrictions.
Eight water companies have introduced Temporary Use Bans, including Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Southern Water, and Thames Water.
The Government has stepped up its drought response and is exploring additional support for farmers, many of whom have already completed their earliest harvests in two decades with lower yields than usual.
Livestock farmers are feeding winter forage early because of poor grass growth, which is expected to reduce milk volumes later in the year.
Emma Hardy, water minister, said: "We know how challenging this summer has been, especially for our hard-working farmers who are at the sharp end of climate change and an increasing number of floods and droughts.
"We are stepping up our support, including working to make it easier for farmers to build more on-site irrigation reservoirs.
"As we move through this period of drought, I expect water companies to take every available step to minimise leakage and support customers in using water wisely."
Rising water temperatures are also endangering fish populations, prompting numerous rescues and environmental concerns.
Mark Owen, head of fisheries at the Angling Trust, said: "Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, putting fish under severe stress that can quickly become life-threatening.
"More frequent droughts and rising water temperatures are placing even greater pressure on rivers, making it increasingly difficult for fish and other wildlife to survive unless we build greater resilience into our freshwater environment."
River temperatures have reached as high as 28C on the River Misbourne in Buckinghamshire, with similarly high readings on the Hampshire Avon and River Trent.
The impact of the drought extends to transportation, with 26 navigation closures and 19 restrictions across the Canal & River Trust’s network due to low water levels.
Reservoir storage in England has dropped to 69 percent, 11.6 percent below the seasonal average, following the sharpest July decline in at least 30 years.
The public is being urged to take simple steps to conserve water, including shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and repairing leaks.
Nicci Russell, chief executive of Waterwise, said: "It’s entirely reasonable that at this time, we only use water for essential purposes.
"Turn that hosepipe off.
"Step away from the sprinkler.
"Let your lawn go golden and your car go dirty.
"Knock a minute off your shower time - imagine if everyone in England and Wales did that, saving 15 litres of water every time, and you can see how small actions by each of us make a real difference."
The drought also comes with an increased wildfire risk, with Natural England reporting 245 wildfires at Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) so far this year.
Other areas affected by the drought include the West Midlands, Thames Valley, Devon and Cornwall, and the Wessex region (Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and south Gloucestershire).
Northern parts of England, including Yorkshire and the North East, are not yet in drought but are listed as experiencing prolonged dry weather, the final stage before drought status.