Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy noticeNearly three-quarters of England is officially in drought, affecting up to 45 million people across the country ahead of scorching temperatures this week. According to the National Drought Group, 71.3 per cent of England is in drought, while the North East and Yorkshire are now under a ‘prolonged dry weather’ status. This is the second consecutive summer drought, and the third in four years after the one seen in 2022. “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.