Almost three quarters of England is now in drought.

The National Drought Group met on Monday and has warned that all regions of the country are experiencing pressure on their water resources.

The East Midlands, Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire, Kent & East Sussex, and Solent & the South Downs are the latest areas to move into drought status.

45 million people are now living in a drought area and more than 27 million are living with water restrictions.

The North East and Yorkshire have moved to prolonged dry weather, which is the stage before drought.

Nowhere in England is in normal status.

The news follows the driest July in 190 years and there has been just 5 per cent of the expected rainfall for August so far.

Tony Grayling, Strategic Drought Lead at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, said: "Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall.  

"We know the hot and dry weather is taking a real toll on farming and there will be long-lasting impacts on our environment.

"We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated over the summer, but we need everyone’s help in using a little less water to make sure our current water reserves last. Every drop we can save is a drop more for your local farmers, local wildlife and local rivers."

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: "We know how challenging this summer has been, especially for our hard-working farmers who are at the sharp end of climate change and an increasing number of floods and droughts. 

"We are stepping up our support including working to make it easier for farmers to build more on-site irrigation reservoirs. We are also delivering long-term change in the water industry to reduce leaks and deliver nine new reservoirs and water transfer schemes to secure supplies.

"As we move through this period of drought, I expect water companies to take every available step to minimise leakage and support customers in using water wisely.

"I also want to thank people for following the restrictions, where in place, as they are an important tool to safeguard essential water supplies and protect the environment."