London: Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought, the British government said on Monday, highlighting ​the worsening impact of prolonged dry weather on ‌agriculture, public water supplies and wildlife. Most of the country, 71.3%, is now experiencing a flash drought caused by a ​combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures. The latest update put 45 million people in a ​drought area and 27 million living under restrictions on water use. Describing it as a "flash drought" -- which develops quickly and is caused by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures -- it was the second consecutive summer parts of England were experiencing 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."