England Imposes Hosepipe Bans on Millions as Wales Enters First Drought Step After 5% July Rain
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 21
England Imposes Hosepipe Bans on Millions as Wales Enters First Drought Step After 5% July Rain
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 21
Summary
Millions of customers in England are already under hosepipe bans, while Natural Resources Wales has put the worst-hit areas in the north and south-east on "prolonged dry weather status."
Three heatwaves, the longest dry spell in central England since 1995 and almost no meaningful rain forecast for at least five days have deepened the strain; parts of eastern and north-eastern England had received just 26% of expected summer rainfall by July 15.
River conditions have worsened quickly in England, with 87% of catchments now at below-normal to exceptionally low levels, even after a wet autumn and winter had delayed a repeat of last year's drought.
Farmers are harvesting early and increasing irrigation to protect crops and livestock, with the NFU warning another difficult, costly harvest is likely after extreme weather in 2024 and 2025.
By 2070, UK summers could be up to 60% drier and 1-6C warmer than in 1990, underscoring warnings that flash droughts are likely to become more frequent and intense.