Nearly three-quarters of England is now experiencing drought conditions as prolonged heat and exceptionally low rainfall put increasing pressure on water supplies, agriculture and wildlife, the British government said Monday. According to the latest government figures, a rapidly developing “flash drought” now covers 71.3% of England. The worsening England drought comes as Britain experiences its fifth heatwave of the year. England and Wales have provisionally recorded their driest July in 190 years, highlighting the severity of the ongoing UK dry weather. With little relief from the prolonged hot and dry conditions, pressure on England’s water resources could intensify further, keeping drought management, water restrictions and wildfire prevention high on the government’s agenda.