Abnormal heat and a deficit of precipitation in the UK threaten the crop harvest.

British farmers are reporting an extremely difficult situation due to extreme weather conditions. In some regions of the country, up to 48 consecutive days without precipitation have been recorded, which has led to the drying out of the soil. Water access restrictions have been introduced in a number of areas. The situation is complicated by the fact that for the second time this year, the industry is facing negative consequences: earlier spring waterlogging of the soil created difficulties during sowing, and now the drought is hindering the normal development of plants.

The state of potatoes is of particular concern: at temperatures above 30°C, their growth practically stops. According to industry representatives, attempts at irrigation in such conditions often prove ineffective. Gardeners have also encountered serious problems: to protect the Bramley cultivar of apples from sunburn, farmers are forced to use special protective coatings that resemble sunscreen. Due to heat stress, the trees produce fewer fruits, and their size remains below the standards required by retail chains.

Grain producers note that the height of cereals is only half of the normal values, and harvesting began earlier than usual. Livestock farmers are forced to consume winter feed stocks already now, as the growth of grass in pastures has practically stopped due to the lack of moisture.

Representatives of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) emphasize that the current drought has become one of the most severe in recent times. NFU President Tom Bradshaw stated the need for systemic support measures for farmers, including tax incentives for creating water storage infrastructure and simplifying regulations for the construction of farm reservoirs. The industry insists on the need to prioritize food production and ensure that farms have access to water resources.

Statistical data for July 2026 confirm the anomalous nature of the season: the southern regions of England recorded the driest July in the history of meteorological observations, as well as temperature records. The precipitation that occurred in the northern part of the country did not solve the water deficit problem that has gripped key agricultural regions.