Environment Agency warns of further drought challenges in 2026

By Chris Wright, Consultant and ARA specialist

The Environment Agency (EA) has released its Drought Prospects Report, which has suggested that despite the recent rainfall, the risk of a severe drought in 2026 remains high in England.

The report outlines that while the recent rainfall has helped, the situation remains precarious and farmers will be hoping there is consistent rainfall to help improve their harvest prospects in 2026 after the driest spring in 132 years.

The news of a possible drought will not be great news for farmers who are already managing a number of financial pressures and will need to put further measures in place to ensure they can manage a possible drought.

What did the report highlight?

The EA’s report discussed England’s current low water levels and three different scenarios over winter and what each would mean.

A drought is only over when the water levels are fully replenished and if the amount of rainfall reaches average levels for the next three months, much of England would not be in a drought by spring 2026.

Winter would be classed as dry if only 80 per cent of the average rainfall comes over the next three months.

This would increase the risk of a drought in 2026 because the river flows, groundwater and reservoir levels would still be low.

For farmers, this would impact their crops and grass growth, adding to the harvest challenges similar to those seen in 2024 and 2025.

The winter season will be classed as very dry if only 60 per cent of the average rainfall is seen.

Should this happen, the whole of England would be in a drought, which would impact crops, vegetable production and grass growth.

Speaking about the report, Director of Water at the EA, Helen Wakeham, said, “There will be a drought next year, unless we get sustained rainfall through the winter.

“The severity of that drought will depend both on the weather and the actions we take over winter following this very dry year.

The public have been brilliant in using a little less water this summer and following the restrictions in some parts of the country.

“I would urge people to continue to be as efficient as possible with their water use this winter – even if it is raining outside. Our wildlife, our rivers and our public water supplies depend on it.”

What does this mean for farmers?

The report is not great news for farmers, but it gives them valuable insight into what could happen in 2026 and helps them plan accordingly.

If England sees its average rainfall, it should help produce better quality crops in 2026.

However, should a drought be declared, the report also gives farmers the chance to prepare, assess their finances and put measures in place to ensure they have a good water reserve and effective irrigation systems.

It can be a costly measure and if you need support understanding your financial position and finding additional funds, our team is here to help.

We’ll help you build a clear picture of your finances and give you the tools to make the right decisions for your farm so you can manage the drought risks.

Contact us if you need help organising your finances.