The county is suffering from “flash drought” as a result of very low rainfall and high temperatures, the Environment Agency has said. The government agency said seven areas of central, eastern and southern England – around half of the country – have been declared as officially in drought. “A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife and the economy. July is set to be the driest month on record, with England having just 7pc of expected rainfall, and southern England seeing just 1pc. An Anglian Water hosepipe ban has been in place since July 11 in Norfolk, banning people from using hosepipes to water gardens, clean vehicles or fill paddling pools.