Drought status has been declared for half of EnglandSeven areas of England covering roughly half the country are now officially in drought after record low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures. Different types include a lack of rainfall, known as meteorological drought, and low soil moisture which impacts plant and crop growth, which is called agricultural drought. When there are impacts on the wider water environment including low flows in rivers, falling reservoir levels and declining groundwater levels, it is known as hydrological drought. A ‘flash drought’ is defined as a very fast developing drought brought about by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures. Jamie Hannaford, head of water resources and drought at the UKCEH, said: “The current drought is remarkable for how quickly it has progressed.