After a summer of record-breaking heatwaves and extreme dry conditions, rain is falling on England again.
The end of August and start of September have brought the country the wettest week since February as showers brought some much-needed relief to parched landscapes. Between 26mm and 48mm of rain fell across south-eastern and central England, according to environment bosses, improving river flows and helping dry land across England.
But “further significant rainfall is needed” before most water companies can return to business as usual, the Environment Agency (EA) warned.
Despite the recent showers, millions of people remain in drought status, and the rest in “prolonged dry weather” status – the stage before a drought is declared. East Anglia, Hertfordshire and North London, Thames, Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, the West Midlands, Wessex, Kent and South London, Solent and South Downs, the East Midlands, and Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire are all still in drought, with 10 water companies still enforcing temporary use bans.
Drought was declared across July and August as England battled extreme heatwaves, wildfires, and record-breaking dry spells in the hottest summer on record. England saw its driest July since data began, with only 7mm of rain measured, or 10 per cent of the long-term average.
The average temperature across June, July and August was 16.5C, beating the previous high of 16.1C set only last year.
Temperatures have fallen a little since the start of September, although some parts of England saw the mercury rise to around 28C over the weekend.
At the same time, increased rainfall has meant some drought pressures on the agricultural sector have eased, according to the EA.
But it said reservoir storage is continuing to decline at most public water supply reservoirs as demand exceeds recharge. Reservoir storage has fallen to 58 per cent nationally, remaining significantly below average, with 11 reservoirs now less than half full, environment bosses added.
“There has been no change to Environment Agency Area drought status this week, with 10 areas in drought status and the remainder in prolonged dry weather status,” they said.
“Despite recent rainfall, reservoir storage continues to decline at most public water supply reservoirs as demand exceeds recharge and remains significantly below average nationally. Temporary use bans (TUBs) remain in place across large parts of England and water companies continue to submit requests for drought powers, including drought permits and orders.”
Nine reservoirs are still classed as “exceptionally low” for the time of year, and all but one are still classed as below normal or lower.
Meanwhile, while cooling temperatures mean the demand for water has decreased, it “remains high” for some companies in the south of England, the EA said.
“Further significant rainfall is needed to return to normal water resource conditions for many water companies,” it added.
Where are there hosepipe bans?
Hosepipe bans are in place across Affinity Water’s Central and East regions, covering Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and parts of London and Essex, Anglian Water areas excluding Hartlepool, all of Bristol Water, Cambridge Water, Essex and Suffolk Water, Southern Water serving Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, all of South East Water, South West Water excluding Bournemouth, and all of Thames Water and Wessex Water.
When is a drought declared?
There is no one definition of a drought as every event is different, according to the EA. A drought is generally declared when a shortage of rainfall, potentially combined with other factors such as heat, impacts agriculture, people and businesses.
Met Office five-day forecast
Tuesday
Heavy rain slowly clearing the South East in the morning. A brighter day for many and feeling fresh. Winds gradually easing in the North, with showers too.
Tuesday night
Drier tonight with a few showers and plenty of clear spells. Lighter winds and feeling chilly, particularly in the countryside.
Wednesday
Largely dry on Wednesday with plenty of sunny spells. Showers gradually easing along the east coast. Temperatures around or slightly below average for the time of year.
Thursday to Saturday
Drier and brighter on Wednesday with spells of sunshine. Another band of rain then moves in for Thursday, before drier and brighter weather returns on Friday. Temperatures likely around average.
