Large regions of England and Wales are in a 'prolonged dry weather' phase as water demand spikes and hosepipe bans expand.
Key facts
- •Regions in 'prolonged dry weather' include East Anglia, the West Midlands, Devon, Cornwall, and London.
- •A single hosepipe can consume 1,000 litres of water per hour.
- •Wales has received only 5% of its expected July rainfall, prompting drought status measures in the north and south-east.
- •By 2070, UK summers could be up to 60% drier and 1-6C warmer than in 1990.
- •The current drought-like conditions follow a very dry spring in similar regions.
The National Drought Group has identified parts of southern, central, and eastern England as being in a 'prolonged dry weather' phase, the stage immediately preceding drought. This announcement follows an exceptionally hot and dry summer, with several regions experiencing minimal rainfall and increased pressure on public water supplies.
By the numbers
Expanding Water Restrictions
Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban for all customers starting Thursday, affecting 10.1 million people. This brings the total number of people living under such restrictions to more than 20 million by the end of the week. Seven water companies have now implemented or announced bans to manage peak demand, which has risen by up to 30% on the hottest days this July.
Impact on Agriculture and Environment
Farmers are harvesting crops early and face warnings that cereal yields may suffer due to the lack of rain. Paul Tompkins, deputy president of the National Farmers' Union, noted that growers are working continuously to maintain livestock and water fruit and vegetable crops. The current conditions follow extreme weather impacts in 2024 and 2025, raising concerns about the cost and difficulty of the current harvest.
Rainfall Deficits and Climate Trends
England has received only 3% of its long-term average rainfall for July, with some areas in the south and east recording no rain at all. Wisley in Surrey has experienced 33 consecutive dry days. While heavy autumn and winter rainfall initially helped recharge reservoirs and aquifers, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology warns that flash droughts are likely to become more frequent and intense as summers become hotter and drier due to climate change.
Timeline
- 1995Central England experienced its longest run of dry days prior to the current summer.
- July 15Parts of eastern and north-eastern England had received 26% of their total expected summer rainfall.
- ThursdayThames Water implements a hosepipe ban for all customers.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Science & Environment.
