West and East Midlands moves into drought with some water levels at their lowest for 50 years

The West and East Midlands have officially moved into drought, with some river flows at their lowest since June 1976.

Across England, rainfall was 20% less than the long-term average for June. It was also the hottest on record for England, with three heatwaves driving unusually high demand for water.

As the UK braces for a possible fourth heatwave later this month, there are serious concerns about water demand and reduced reservoir levels. Millions of people across the Midlands could be affected.