Inghilterra, Galles, luglio più secco mai registrato: Met Office

England and Wales experienced their driest July on record, according to the UK’s Met Office, which released preliminary data on Monday. The month saw England receive just 6.5 millimeters of rainfall, 10 per cent of the average, while Wales recorded 9.3 millimeters, also far below typical levels. The Met Office described July 2026 as the sunniest month ever observed in Britain, marked by record-breaking dryness, exceptional warmth, and unprecedented sunshine. In southern England, rainfall totaled a mere 1.9 millimeters, or three per cent of the average, making it the driest July since records began in 1836. London and surrounding areas were among 19 English regions with less than one millimeter of rain during the month. The prolonged dry spell has raised concerns across sectors. Helen Wakeham, chairperson of the National Drought Group, highlighted the strain on farmers, wildlife, and water resources. Water companies in parts of England and Wales have already imposed restrictions on domestic use, banning hose pipe usage and outdoor watering. Ami McCarthy of Greenpeace UK expressed alarm over the impact on biodiversity, noting the “unfathomable” consequences for birds, bees, and butterflies. Meanwhile, Rosie Downes of Friends of the Earth called for a stronger National Adaptation Plan to address the growing threat of extreme weather linked to global warming. Current initiatives include expanding flood defenses, increasing green spaces, and promoting drought-resistant crops. The extreme weather has also contributed to a surge in heat-related illnesses. The UK Health Security Agency reported that record-breaking heatwaves in May and June led to approximately 2,877 excess deaths in England. As a result, the agency issued an amber health warning for four regions, including London, cautioning vulnerable groups such as those over 65 or with pre-existing conditions. Wales experienced its joint hottest July on record, with a mean temperature of 17.8 degrees Celsius, a level previously reached in 2006 and 1983. This has prompted urgent calls for action within the agricultural sector. Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union, warned that the early harvest marks an “unthinkable” shift compared to just a decade ago. He noted that this year’s harvest is among the earliest on record, with yields down by a third from normal levels. Bradshaw emphasized the need for financial support to help farmers transition to more sustainable practices. Greenpeace UK’s McCarthy echoed these sentiments, urging the government to provide funding for nature-friendly farming methods to mitigate long-term environmental damage. Climate experts warn that such extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent as global temperatures continue to rise. The Met Office’s Amy Doherty described July 2026 as a “truly remarkable” month in the UK’s climate history, underscoring the urgency of adapting to changing conditions. With the coming weeks expected to bring little to no rain, the situation could worsen, placing further pressure on water supplies and ecosystems. Scientists stress that proactive measures, including improved infrastructure and policy reforms, will be essential in preparing for future climatic challenges.