Drought declared in parts of Britain

Extreme-heat warnings also issued for some areas in southern England and Wales

LONDON • The British government declared a drought for parts of southern, eastern and central England on Friday as the country, unaccustomed to such extreme heat, endured another day of scorching conditions.

The declaration came after a group of officials and experts, including the National Drought Group, met to discuss the government’s response to “the driest summer in 50 years”, the Environment Agency said.

Extreme-heat warnings have also been issued for parts of southern England and Wales, weeks after Britain wilted under some of its highest temperatures on record.

“We are currently experiencing a second heatwave after what was the driest July on record for parts of the country,” Britain’s Water Minister Steve Double said after the drought group’s meeting.

Eight parts of England are officially experiencing a drought, according to the agency.