Almost three-quarters of England is now experiencing drought conditions following weeks of unusually dry and hot weather.
Government figures reported by Reuters put 71.3% of England in drought, up sharply from late July when around half the country was affected.
Around 45 million people are living in a drought area and approximately 27 million are facing restrictions on water use.
England and Wales provisionally recorded their driest July in 190 years. Rivers, reservoirs and groundwater levels have continued to fall while hot, dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires.
The conditions are affecting agriculture as well as public water supplies and wildlife. The government has said it is working to make it easier for farmers to build more on-site irrigation reservoirs.
The drought comes during Britain's fifth heatwave of the year, increasing pressure on already dry ground and water resources.