Drought is a recurring climate condition that dries ecosystems and harms economies; climate change is intensifying its reach and severity.
A FAO-WFP joint report warns that acute food insecurity could worsen from June to November 2026, with about 266 million people affected. Conflicts and violence remain the main drivers across hotspots, while funding cuts and El Niño risks compound the crisis. Gaza’s situation remains fragile but improved since late 2025.
The Reflecting Pool renovation amid America’s 250th celebrations has exposed ongoing problems. Algae blooms reappeared after a $14 million upgrade, while officials cite sabotage and lawmakers probe no‑bid contracts and the costs tied to the milestone.
Walmart has announced price cuts on summer barbecue essentials, including ground beef, chips and drinks, with a 12% drop on a one-pound beef patty. The move follows White House pressure claims and comes as beef prices hit record highs due to drought and rising feed costs. Trump has praised the retailer, while the White House says it is taking steps to reduce costs for working families.
The UK has seen a record-hot July and persistent drought across large parts of England and Wales. Hosepipe bans remain in force as cooling rain is forecast to be patchy and limited this weekend. Forecasters warn that heat and dry conditions will continue into next week, with a potential return of hotter spells in parts of the country.
Heat warnings cover much of England, with amber alerts in the East Midlands, London, the South East and East England. Yellow alerts remain for Yorkshire, the West Midlands and the South West. Officials warn of health risks, drought and heightened wildfire danger as temperatures rise this week.
A record summer of heat, drought and wildfires has prompted an emergency Cobra meeting and voluntary retailer suspensions of disposable-barbecue sales. Green groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to call the crisis 'climate change' and stop new North Sea drilling; Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has questioned net zero and urged adaptation and celebration of warmer weather.
The BP windfall is driving renewed calls for a windfall tax as profits soar amid Middle East conflict. Campaigners say households face higher bills while governments weigh potential measures to curb corporate gains and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy.
The UK is experiencing its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures rising to the mid-30s across England and Wales. Health alerts are in place for vulnerable groups, and authorities warn of impacts on infrastructure and water supplies as a heatwave extends into the week.
Puerto Rico’s water rationing remains in effect for 48-hour cycles across San Juan and surrounding municipalities as drought and aging infrastructure strain supplies. Officials have not set an end date, while water trucks prioritize hospitals and elder care. The crisis, driven by dry weather and underinvestment in the water system, persists into August 2026.
A AP-NORC poll finds extreme heat is increasingly affecting Americans’ daily lives, from electricity bills to travel plans, with West and Midwest hardest hit and Democrats more likely to report major impacts. The survey, conducted July 23–27, 2026, shows a shift in perception of climate change and growing energy costs.
The UK has faced a fifth heatwave this summer, with record highs in several locations. A cooler spell is moving in over the weekend, bringing rain to some drought-affected areas. Health alerts remain in place as authorities monitor ongoing drought and heat-related pressures.
England and Wales face ongoing drought conditions as reservoir levels stay low despite a wetter winter. Officials warn that continuing heat and low rainfall threaten water supplies, with hosepipe bans in effect and calls for infrastructure action.
Ofwat has provisionally allowed five of 13 water companies in England and Wales to raise charges by about £3.4bn by 2030 to fund infrastructure upgrades, address PFAS and support housing and data-centre growth. Bills for several firms will rise in 2027–28 and 2029–30, with final confirmation due after consultation in December.
England faces a delayed start to the rugby season as drought leaves pitches unsafe, with RFU postponing competitive fixtures nationwide until the week of 21 September. Officials say player welfare and consistent start underpin the decision, which affects clubs, schools and volunteers.
The government has announced new measures to help farmers manage drought, including a £65m fund for on-farm reservoirs and a raised Sustainable Farming Incentive budget. The move aims to ease water shortages, support livestock feeding, and back environmental work as hot, dry conditions persist.
An emergency wildfire alert has been sent across England and Wales warning people not to light fires as heatwaves press on. Police and fire services say the alert is crucial for safety, while critics argue about its timing and impact on daily life. Prime Minister and local leaders urge caution and resilience as blazes stretch resources.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has exchanged a small number of messages with someone impersonating White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, officials have said. Downing Street has declined to comment on national security grounds. The British embassy in Washington has raised the incident with the White House and the messages were reported as suspicious.
England endures a fourth heatwave this summer, with drought conditions expanding across the country. Hosepipe bans are in place or expanding, reservoirs remain low, and experts warn that only sustained rainfall will ease the strain on water resources and wildlife.
Beef prices have risen as U.S. cattle numbers shrink and imports face constraints. The White House is moving to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of lean ground beef to be imported for 90 days at a 25% discount, seeking to ease consumer costs ahead of the midterms. Ranchers warn the measure could undermine long-term herd growth and U.S. cattle profitability.
UNICEF reports 171 million learners across 106 countries faced climate-related disruptions in 2025. Storms, floods and heatwaves disrupted classes; girls face higher dropout risks. The report warns of US$200 billion in potential lifetime earnings losses and calls for resilient school infrastructure and data systems.