Drought threatens UK food supply as heatwave persists

Britain faces potential shortages of specific food items following a severe drought affecting parts of England, according to warnings issued by the National Farmers’ Union. This alert comes ahead of forecasts predicting that a heatwave will continue into next week. The United Kingdom’s Health Security Agency has activated heat health alerts for eight regions across England as temperatures are expected to exceed 30C in various locations. Officials note that rising temperatures could heighten health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Agricultural operations have been severely impacted by adverse weather conditions over the last year and a half. Farms suffered from flooding during the winter months which complicated planting efforts, while current drought restrictions on irrigation mean many areas lack access to water necessary for crop cultivation. This marks the third significant drought in five years, leading farming groups to describe such conditions as becoming the new normal for British agriculture. Wheat farmers report that their crops are currently only half of their usual height, and England is experiencing its earliest harvest ever recorded.

In certain locations, there has been no rainfall for more than a month, while multiple record-breaking heatwaves have struck since early summer, drying out the soil extensively. Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union, stated that these conditions could lead to food shortages and he requested action from the prime minister. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, he suggested farmers should receive tax breaks to construct water storage systems on their land for future preparation. He noted that other nations providing imported food are also facing changing climates which may result in shortages of various products.

Climate breakdown is intensifying extreme weather events such as droughts. The Met Office reported earlier this summer that England received just 8% of its average rainfall for July, a figure likely to be confirmed as the driest on record. Approximately 23 million people across England and Wales are currently under a hosepipe ban due to dry conditions which have also fuelled devastating wildfires recently seen in Suffolk.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board highlighted that cereals like wheat and barley have been particularly affected by the weather patterns. Their first harvest report for 2026 indicated hot weather caused the earliest harvest since records began in 2006, with many farmers in southern and eastern England completing harvesting two to three weeks ahead of long-term averages.

Anthony Hopkins from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board observed that combines have been operating earlier than usual across much of the UK. Many farmers worked through nights to avoid extreme daytime temperatures while cereal yields remained below the 10-year average so far, with some farms experiencing significant reductions. Following years of difficult weather and rising costs, financial pressures are becoming increasingly acute for businesses hardest hit.

Anthony Speight from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board noted that emerging data points towards disappointing cereal yields in many areas but a clearer understanding will develop as harvest continues. Farming is becoming unprofitable as government removal of EU-derived subsidies removes previous industry support while climate crisis causes extreme weather capable of wiping out crop profits.

Gavin Lane, president of the Country, Land and Business Association, warned this could be the last harvest for many farmers who describe it as the worst in years. He explained that a sodden winter followed by drought left wheat at half its usual height with some crops not worth harvesting. This is the third drought in five years where extraordinary events are becoming part of farming reality.

Polly Ashmore from the UK Health Security Agency stated periods of hot weather could result in serious health outcomes especially for older adults and urged sensible precautions while enjoying sunshine. She advised health services to ensure preparedness and reminded people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours and those with underlying conditions following necessary advice on staying hydrated and avoiding sun during hottest parts of the day.