Drought declared across half of England and all of Wales

Drought has been declared across more than half of England and all of Wales, as the country continues to experience prolonged dry weather. The announcement comes alongside yellow heat health alerts for large parts of England, including the Midlands, the South East and the South West, which are in effect until Wednesday. These alerts signal a risk to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, and there could be a significant impact on health and social care services.

Wildfires are still burning in Suffolk, with the RSPB warning that it could take up to a decade for habitats to recover. The charity said that birds such as the nightjar and the Dartford warbler may not be able to nest in the affected areas for years. More than three days after the fire started on Dunwich Heath, pockets of fire continue to burn.

The National Farmers Union has warned that food prices could rise as the warmer weather takes its toll on farming. Farmers have had to harvest early, and livestock farmers are using winter feed to feed animals because there is no grass in the fields. The NFU said that water security is a critical part of food security, and that food security is national security.

The drought declaration covers more than half of England and all of Wales, and comes as firefighters continue to battle blazes across the country. The situation is being closely monitored, with officials urging the public to support vulnerable friends and family and to take care outdoors while the risk of wildfire remains.