The 1976 drought is considered one of the most severe meteorological droughts in recent UK history, following a dry 1975-76 winter and one of the hottest and driest summers on record. England also experienced its driest 18-month period in 100 years from 2010 to early 2012, leading to widespread water restrictions. Provisional data indicates July 2026 is on track to be the driest July for England and Wales in 190 years.