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This year’s exceptionally hot and dry summer has dramatically transformed the landscape across many parts of England and Wales, as captured by recent satellite imagery. With drought conditions officially expanding from Wales into additional regions of England, the BBC Verify team has collected visual evidence highlighting the extensive environmental impact. From historic landmarks and recreational parks to reservoirs and golf courses, the enduring heatwaves and above-average temperatures this year have resulted in visibly altered scenery across large swathes of the UK, surpassing even the effects seen during last summer, which was the warmest on record.
Water reservoirs across England and Wales are facing significant stress, as nearly all are reported by the UK government to have water levels that are either below normal or low. Among these, five reservoirs are categorized as exceptionally low, including the Clywedog Reservoir in Powys, a crucial water supplier for parts of the West Midlands. Satellite comparisons reveal that more of this reservoir’s banks were exposed in August of this year compared to the same period last year. Despite these low water levels, recent drought declarations and hosepipe bans have been primarily driven by a deficiency of rainfall rather than the reservoir levels themselves. The Environment Agency notes that even though reservoir storage in England stands at 69%—below the typical seasonal average of 82%—this figure remains higher than levels during last year’s drought. Meanwhile, Scotland has experienced below-average rainfall for July, particularly in the south and east, prompting the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to issue warnings of water scarcity in the Borders and eastern Scotland.
Sports fields have not escaped the effects of the dry conditions either. During the recent Open Championship held at Royal Birkdale golf course on Merseyside, the condition of the fairways was a notable topic of discussion. Comparison images show the stark difference between the lush green fairways in summer 2025 and the brown, dried-out fairways seen this year. While hosepipe bans restrict domestic water use, regulations allow exceptions for commercial users such as golf courses. Under these restrictions, sprinklers and hoses can be used to irrigate grass areas “actively used for play,” meaning that while greens and tees may be watered, fairways cannot be.
The impact of the summer’s heat extends to water bodies such as lakes and reservoirs, with the Serpentine in London’s Hyde Park being closed to swimmers following a rise in blue-green algae levels. These algae naturally occur but flourish under warm, sunny conditions and can pose risks to people and animals. Killington Reservoir in south Cumbria is also experiencing blue-green algal blooms, clearly visible in satellite imagery comparing May to August. Additionally, much of Hyde Park’s greenery now appears brown after several months of heatwaves, mirroring the condition of typically verdant fields around Stonehenge in south Wiltshire, which have also turned pale. According to experts, this widespread “vegetation stress” indicates that the growth and development of plants, grass, and crops have been severely affected—though these plants may recover once sufficient rainfall returns, assuming their roots remain healthy. The prolonged dry spell poses ongoing challenges for farming and may influence agricultural yields and food prices. Furthermore, while it may seem paradoxical, extended dry periods can increase flash flooding risk after rainfalls, as hard, dry soil repels water, leading to more surface runoff. Scientists warn that climate change and growing water demand are exacerbating the UK’s vulnerability to water shortages in the future
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