Drought-Stricken London Looks Like California in Aerial Photo
An aerial shot captured by Getty Images photographer Justin Tallis on July 29, 2026, depicts All Saints Church in Blackheath, located in south-east London, encircled by charred grass, reminiscent of Southern California. This striking image gained widespread attention after being posted on August 5, 2026, drawing parallels to the Guns N' Roses 'November Rain' video and Western Australia. The U.K. is grappling with a significant drought, experiencing unprecedented low rainfall and soaring temperatures in July, impacting half of the nation. The Environmental Agency has identified seven areas in drought, alongside three recorded heatwaves this summer. Europe is also affected, with France and Spain facing extreme heat and wildfires. This photograph underscores the impact of climate change on once-green landscapes.
Key facts
- Photograph taken by Justin Tallis of Getty Images on July 29, 2026.
- Shows All Saints Church in Blackheath, south-east London, surrounded by scorched grass.
- Image captured on a drone and shared on social media on August 5, 2026.
- U.K. experienced record low rainfall and high temperatures in July.
- Half of the country is estimated to be in drought.
- Seven regions officially deemed in drought by the Environmental Agency.
- Three official heatwaves in the U.K. this summer.
- Blackheath Common is a 270-acre public space and starting point for the London Marathon.
- France's Gironde region suffered the country's largest wildfire since 1949.
- Forest fire in Spain's Almeria region killed 14 people.
Entities
Artists
- Justin Tallis
Institutions
- Getty Images
- Environmental Agency
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Blackheath
- Blackheath Common
- Canary Wharf
- Southern California
- California
- Western Australia
- Galisteo
- New Mexico
- France
- Gironde
- Spain
- Almeria