Up to five more regions in England may face drought by September, warns the Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency warns that up to five more regions in England could face drought conditions by September, potentially raising the total to eight areas. This follows one of the UK's driest springs, with three regions already in drought and hosepipe bans announced. If temperatures remain warm and rainfall stays at 80% of the long-term average, regions like the West Midlands, East Midlands, Thames Wessex, parts of the Solent and South Downs, East Anglia, and Northamptonshire could be affected. The agency is working with water companies and other organizations to prepare for these conditions.